Perceived Executive Functioning and Attitudes toward Inclusion among Hydrotherapists Working with Children with Special Needs
Perceived Executive Functioning and Attitudes toward Inclusion among Hydrotherapists Working with Children with Special Needs

Summary/Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between hydrotherapists’ attitudes toward the social inclusion of children with special needs and their perceptions of these children’s executive functioning (EF). Hydrotherapists (N=69) from rehabilitation centers and clinics across Israel completed questionnaires assessing demographic and professional characteristics, attitudes toward inclusion, and perceived EF challenges and strengths in children (PIC-ME, adapted as a clinician-report measure). Results revealed a significant positive correlation between children’s EF and therapists’ attitudes: higher levels of EF -specifically self-regulation - consistently predicted more favorable attitudes toward inclusion. The findings also suggest that hydrotherapists’ attitudes toward inclusion are linked to both their professional background and their perceptions of children’s functional abilities in everyday therapeutic contexts. The study underscores the need to consider how clinicians’ perceptions may shape expectations and support regarding children’s social inclusion and the importance of addressing executive functioning - particularly emotional regulation - in both therapeutic practice and professional training.

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