Alissa Didomenico sits anxiously poolside waiting for her turn to get into the water. She experienced her first occupational therapy session in the pool in July of 2005 and has been in love with the water ever since. Alissa is a remarkable little girl who was adopted by her family after spending the first three years of her life in a Ukrainian orphanage. She was unable to talk and had great difficulty tolerating interactions with people and the world around her. She was diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder and immediately began occupational, physical and speech therapy at Wolfson Children’s Rehabilitation.

The impact of aquatic therapy on children like Alissa is profound. The hydrostatic pressure of the water provides constant sensory input which improves the child’s ability to tolerate human touch. In addition, the aquatic environment impacts perceptual, spatial, motor planning and vestibular (movement) deficits. Alissa is now much more aware of where her body is in space and can participate in play activities without hurting herself or others. She is learning to control her impulsivity and to follow directions. Alissa is highly motivated by being in the pool and looks forward to her weekly therapy sessions.

Alissa eagerly jumps into the water with a large grin and contagious giggle. Today she is learning to coordinate the left and right sides of her body to propel herself across the pool. Alissa does not realize that she is also learning self-control and the ability to complete a task without engaging in unsafe behavior. Alissa’s mom observes the session from the pool deck and makes note of activities to try at home with Alissa.

For Alissa, it's pure fun.