Use of an Adaptive Climbing Program to Improve Social Skills in Children with Developmental Delays: A Feasibility Study

Purpose: A repeated measures single-group feasibility study was used to investigate the potential success and feasibility of an adaptive climbing program including group social skills activities to positively impact social skills in children with developmental delays. Methods: A convenience sample of 10 children aged 4 to 12 years participated in six social skills activity groups and adaptive climbing sessions at a rock-climbing facility in North Carolina. Trained observers measured targeted social skills via an author-generated social skills tracking form. Results: A paired t-test indicates a statistically significant improvement in social skills from session 1 to session 6 (pConclusions: Outcomes suggest participation in a community-based adaptive climbing program that involves group social skills activities may be beneficial for promoting social skill development in children with developmental delays. Opportunities exist for occupational therapists to partner with climbing gyms or other organizations to develop and tailor programming specific to each child’s developmental level and needs.