Swimming and Children with ADHD – Texas Swim Academy

We all know that participating in group sports activities has numerous benefits for children. Not only do kids expend energy and gain the physical and mental benefits regular exercise affords, but they also have fun while learning focus and discipline. But children with ADHD can find some team sports more frustrating than focusing. Sports like baseball or basketball are challenging due to the amount of rules to memorize and the distraction of emotional triggers. But this doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from organized sports. Swimming provides an ideal balance; it allows children to compete as individuals, while still being part of a larger team.

A report by ADDitude Magazine found that parents, children, counselors, coaches and gym teachers named swimming one of the best sports for children with ADHD. The publication interviewed individuals who ranked sports based on opportunities for distraction, level of physical contact, complexity of rules, and use of gross motor skills. Swimming featured prominently on the list. Sandy Maynard, MS Health Psychology and regular contributor to ADDitude Magazine notes, “Swimming and diving were highly recommended for children with ADHD and learning disabilities that affect organization, spatial awareness and difficulty with game concepts and strategies. Swimming’s focus on individual competition likely helps. As Laurence Diller, M.D., author and faculty member at UCSF Medical School points out, From my years of experience treating children with ADHD, I know that they do better with individual oriented sports like swimming or track (even tennis) compared to team sports like baseball.

The story of Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps illustrates how swimming can help. Michael was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. After taking Ritalin for two years, he stopped taking medication with his doctor’s permission and used swimming to help find focus. In an interview with Good Housekeeping, Michael’s mother and ADHD spokesperson Deborah Phelps confirmed that swimming helped her son cope with ADHD. Swimming provided a practice schedule that helped him develop time management skills, as well as valuable parameters. “The pool itself helped Michael, said Phelps. “ADHD children need parameters. There’s nothing better for that than two lane lines! Even if Michael’s mind was all over the place, he could focus on going up and down the pool. Plus, water itself has a calming, soothing effect. I think the pool became a safe haven where he could release his energy. So jump in and enjoy the water!

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.