Presentations

Abstract

Introduction:

Traditional and emerging therapeutic interventions for neurodivergent children are an important part of their treatment plan, however, many families have difficulty accessing these therapies. Physical and occupational therapy require a trained professional, many of whom are in high demand but short supply, and can have significant out-of-pocket costs. Emerging therapies, such as equine therapy, are not covered by insurance or readily accessible to families who live in urban areas. Physical therapy goals focus on improving gross motor skills and strength, while occupational therapy goals include exposure to sensory stimuli and building social skills. Additionally, children with neurodivergence and autism spectrum disorder, are at a greater risk of obesity than neurotypical counterparts. The EVMS Adaptive Gymnastics program has developed a cost-effective therapeutic opportunity that addresses many of the same goals as traditional therapies for families of neurodivergent children in Hampton Roads.

Methods:

This analysis used demographic data collected as part of an ongoing longitudinal study on the impact of the EVMS Adaptive Gymnastics program on neurodivergent children's social and emotional skills as well as their parent's perceived stress levels. Publicly available information regarding availability and estimated costs of comparable programs was also collected. Aggregate volunteering data available to members of the research team as co-directors of the program was also used in the analysis.

Results:

For approximately $5.13 per 45-minute session, our program addresses many of the same goals as traditional physical and occupational therapy. In addition, our program provides group-based physical activity, which previous research has identified as a valuable non-medical intervention. Since becoming an official Community Engaged Learning initiative, EVMS students have volunteered over 921 combined hours working directly with neurodivergent children, a number which continues to grow each week.

Conclusion:

EVMS Adaptive Gymnastics is the only program of its kind in Hampton Roads, and the closest active program members of the research team could find is in Maryland. The EVMS Adaptive Gymnastics program provides students early access to working with children who have neurodevelopmental disorders, who represent a unique subset of the pediatric population. Simultaneously, our program provides families in Hampton Roads with a cost-effective, group-based physical activity program, thereby giving more families, regardless of income, the opportunity to support their neurodivergent children.