Adaptive Aquatics Swim Lessons Protect Kids with ASD

It’s an unfortunate fact that accidental drowning is a leading cause of death for children aged 14 and younger. Sadly, the number of accidental drowning deaths skyrockets for children on the autism spectrum.

According to the National Autism Association, drowning accounted for over 90 percent of total deaths for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between 2009 and 2011. Even more shocking is that children with ASD are 160 times more likely to die from drowning in comparison to other children.

Why Children with ASD Are at a Greater Risk of Drowning

Wandering and elopement are a common behaviors exhibited by children with autism. This leaves these youngsters more vulnerable to risks like falling, getting hit by a vehicle, and hypothermia.

Water is a very real and serious risk for children with ASD as they tend to gravitate towards bodies of water. Experts have hypothesized that these children seek out water because of its therapeutic qualities. Not only is water visually and audibly engaging, but going underwater can also provide children with ASD much welcomed relief from the sights and sounds around them.

Another compounding issue is that children with autism are less likely to be able to properly assess common risk factors that come with entering the water. They aren’t able to consider challenges like slippery surfaces, strong water currents and lack of adult supervision.

Lisa Mikosh, a parent of an autistic child attending Texas Swim Academy, experienced the very real threat of possibly losing her son with ASD after he had ran half a mile from her and entered a lake. By the time Lisa was able to catch up to and get into the water to try and save her son, he was drowning.

Thanks to a kind stranger nearby, Lisa and her son were pulled from the lake and they survived. But this terrible experience made Lisa realize that the swim instruction she and her husband had provided their autistic son simply wasn’t enough to ensure his survival.

Why Adaptive Aquatic Swim Lessons Are the Solution

Autistic children often do not thrive in standard swimming lessons. Instructors don’t know how to communicate with children with ASD and these children are left feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and disengaged.

Here at Texas Swim Academy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn water safety and survival in a compassionate and caring space. That is why we offer Adaptive Aquatic Swim Lessons that are customized to meet the unique needs of your child.

We provide children with a comfortable and reassuring environment to learn and practice fundamental lifesaving water and swim skills. Our experienced instructors are specifically trained in autistic swim instruction and are able to effectively communicate and teach with swimmers with ASD.

April is Autism Awareness month, and we want to make sure that all children on the spectrum and their families are given the gift of confidence when they are in and around water. To learn more about our Adaptive Aquatics Swim Lessons, stop on by the Texas Swim Academy facility in Katy or give us a call at (832) 437-6186.

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer. 

Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.

Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy. 

Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.