Introduction to Autism and Swimming
In an airy indoor pool with fish cutouts on the walls, a group of small children bobbed, floated and tentatively flutter-kicked. It was what it looked like, a starter swimming class. But here, instructors worked one-on-one or even two to a child. Some held cards to help kids communicate with teachers by pointing instead of speaking. No one blew whistles. All the students in the class at the Small Fish Big Fish swim school had autism, a developmental disorder linked to a higher-than-average danger of drowning.
The Risks of Drowning for Children with Autism
It has long worried autism experts and parents, but recent data make the stakes starkly clear. In Florida, a state where water abounds from beaches to backyards, over 100 children who had autism or were being evaluated for it have drowned since the start of 2021, according to the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County. The numbers highlight an oft-overlooked dilemma: Autism makes swimming instruction all the more necessary but, often, all the more difficult to get.
The Importance of Autism-Specific Swim Classes
In this handout photo provided by Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, aquatic educator Riley Taylor helps a student into the water during an autism-specific swim class at Small Fish Big Fish, Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Fla. ((Ben Rusnak /Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County via AP)
In this handout photo provided by Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, instructor Dottie Diedrick guides a student in the water during an autism-specific swim class at Small Fish Big Fish, in West Palm Beach, Fla., Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Ben Rusnak /Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County via AP)
In this handout photo provided by Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, occupational therapist Angelina Price, from The Learning Center, guides a student in the water during an autism-specific swim class at Small Fish Big Fish, Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Ben Rusnak /Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County via AP)
In this handout photo provided by Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Small Fish Big Fish Swim School owner Melissa Goldberg, right, and ESE teacher Samanda King from The Learning Center talk with a student after an autism-specific swim class at Small Fish Big Fish, Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Ben Rusnak /Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County via AP)
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In this handout photo provided by Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, aquatic educator Riley Taylor helps a student into the water during an autism-specific swim class at Small Fish Big Fish, Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Fla. ((Ben Rusnak /Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County via AP)
The Benefits of Swimming Lessons for Children with Autism
“It’s life-changing for kids with autism,” said Lovely Chrisostome, who was terrified this winter when her 6-year-old son slipped out of the family’s home and wandered through their lake-dotted neighborhood. She’d once tried enrolling him in swim classes at a public pool, but he had refused to go in. But her son was in the pool at the autism-specific class at Small Fish Big Fish. An instructor helped him float on his back. When he started showing discomfort – he doesn’t like to get his head wet – she eased him onto his side, where he seemed content.
The Risk of Drowning and Autism
Autism affects an estimated 1 in 31 U.S. children. Their water safety has gotten occasional public attention after tragedies such as the death of Avonte Oquendo, an autistic teen who was found in a New York river in 2014 after disappearing from his school. While academic research on the issue is limited, a pair of 2017 studies documented a substantially heightened risk of drowning among people with autism spectrum disorder. The risk stems in large part from their propensity to wander off and to underappreciate perils, according to co-author Dr. Guohua Li and other experts.
Lessons as a Potential Lifesaver
Lessons a potential lifesaver
Some autistic people excel at swimming, such as the New Jersey teens featured in the 2017 documentary “Swim Team.” Many others are adept in water. Even some profoundly autistic children can master survival basics with as little as eight hours of aquatic occupational therapy, said Michele Alaniz, a practitioner who published research based on her work at Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare in Pomona, California.
Trepidation and Joy in the Water
Trepidation and joy in the water
In Florida, the Children’s Services Council’s of Palm Beach County provided $17,000 last year for the Autism Society of America to train dozens of instructors, said Jon Burstein, who did the council’s research on autism and drowning. The organization paid another $13,500 for the classes at Small Fish Big Fish. The dozen students, ranging from about 4 to 8, attend a nearby autism-specific charter school. They initially were reluctant to get in the bus, let alone in the water, organizers said. But on an early April afternoon, they readily headed for the shallow pool.
Conclusion
Swimming lessons can be a lifesaver for children with autism. With the right instructors and approach, these children can learn to swim and reduce their risk of drowning. It’s essential for parents and caregivers to prioritize swimming lessons and find programs that cater to the unique needs of children with autism.
FAQs
Q: Why are swimming lessons important for children with autism?
A: Swimming lessons are crucial for children with autism as they are at a higher risk of drowning due to their propensity to wander off and underappreciate perils.
Q: How can I find autism-specific swim classes?
A: You can search online for swim schools or programs in your area that offer autism-specific classes. Many organizations, such as the Autism Society of America, provide training for instructors to work with children with autism.
Q: What should I look for in a swim instructor for my child with autism?
A: Look for instructors who have experience working with children with autism and are trained to handle their unique needs. They should be patient, understanding, and able to communicate effectively with your child.
Q: How long does it take for a child with autism to learn to swim?
A: The time it takes for a child with autism to learn to swim varies depending on the individual child and their abilities. Some children may pick up swimming quickly, while others may need more time and practice.
Q: Are private swim lessons beneficial for children with autism?
A: Private swim lessons can be beneficial for children with autism as they provide one-on-one attention and instruction. However, they can also be expensive, and some families may not be able to afford them. Group classes with trained instructors can also be an effective and more affordable option.
