Aquatic Therapy University (www.aquatictherapist.com) offers this model letter of medical necessity for clinicians who desire to outline the benefits of aquatic therapy for a child with autism, supported by recent evidence from the medical literature. The evidence provided demonstrates significant improvements in social competence, quality of life, motor skills, and cognitive function in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who participate in aquatic therapy programs.
You may use the letter as provided below for your own practices.
[Date]
[Insurance Company Name]
[Insurance Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Re: [Patient's Name]
Date of Birth: [Patient's DOB]
Policy Number: [Policy Number]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to request coverage for aquatic therapy for my patient, [Patient's Name], who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Aquatic therapy is a clinically supported intervention that has demonstrated significant benefits for children with ASD, including improvements in social competence, quality of life, motor skills, and cognitive function.
Social Competence and Quality of Life: A study by Güeita-Rodríguez et al. (2021) found that aquatic therapy significantly improved social competence and quality of life in children with ASD. The intervention led to notable enhancements in physical competence, school functioning, and aquatic skills, with no adverse events reported. Qualitative findings also highlighted positive changes in social communication and interaction patterns.[1]
Behavioral and Emotional Improvements: Caputo et al. (2018) demonstrated that a multisystem aquatic therapy program significantly improved functional adaptation, emotional response, and activity levels in children with ASD. The program, which included phases of emotional adaptation, swimming adaptation, and social integration, showed substantial benefits beyond basic swimming skills.[2]
Cognitive Function: Zhao et al. (2024) reported that a 12-week aquatic exercise intervention led to significant improvements in executive function, including inhibition control and cognitive flexibility, as well as increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with ASD. These cognitive enhancements are crucial for the overall development and daily functioning of children with ASD.[3]
Physical Impairments: Aquatic therapy has been shown to significantly improve motor skills and physical competence in children with ASD. Shariat et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that demonstrated the efficacy of aquatic therapy in enhancing motor skills, balance, and control in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. The study found that aquatic therapy had a more robust positive effect on these physical parameters compared to land-based exercises.[2, 4]
Given the robust evidence supporting the efficacy of aquatic therapy for children with ASD, I strongly recommend that [Patient's Name] be approved for this intervention. Aquatic therapy will provide [Patient's Name] with a comprehensive and effective treatment option that addresses multiple aspects of their condition, ultimately leading to improved quality of life and functional outcomes.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information or documentation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
References
Güeita-Rodríguez J, Ogonowska-Slodownik A, Morgulec-Adamowicz N, et al. Effects of Aquatic Therapy for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder on Social Competence and Quality of Life: A Mixed Methods Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(6):3126. doi:10.3390/ijerph18063126.
Caputo G, Ippolito G, Mazzotta M, et al. Effectiveness of a Multisystem Aquatic Therapy for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2018;48(6):1945-1956. doi:10.1007/s10803-017-3456-y.
Zhao P, Chen K, Zhu G, et al. Effects of Aquatic Exercise Intervention on Executive Function and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Research in Developmental Disabilities. 2024;150:104759. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104759.
Shariat A, Najafabadi MG, Dos Santos IK, et al. The Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy on Motor and Social Skill as Well as Executive Function in Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2024;105(5):1000-1007. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2023.08.025.
So helpful! Thanks a bunch.
Always great to spread the word about aquatic therapy's benefits.