Hi I’m a parent with an autistic child.

I’m looking for help for the follow for my child: What were your biggest challenges teaching swimming or water safety skills at home (especially sensory aversion or self-rescue like rolling to float)?
How did you overcome them? Please share what worked, what didn’t, your child’s age/level, and any useful tips.”

Your real experiences would be incredibly helpful for me and many families I know.

thank you 

Parents
  • Hey Hannah47.

    All I can say is mine were okay with water -they did swimming lessons at the local pool, which if they can do that, it's a straight forward way to learn. (I've heard other people doing private lessons if they couldn’t get into regular classes, sometimes waiting lists are long).  Mine both started around 5, though would depend on if you felt your child would manage?

    The times they made the biggest progress though was often when we'd go on holiday and spend a lot of time playing in a warm pool with them. They might make more progress in a few days then in the months of lessons! But the lessons helped as it was regular. (Though if you go regularly in free time maybe that could help?)

    If you have sensory aversion to deal with, that is trickier. Sometimes starting in the bath and getting them enjoying pouring water over themselves with fun cups/bottles can get them used to it? And if they find pools loud, finding out from staff when is quiet is a good idea too!

Reply
  • Hey Hannah47.

    All I can say is mine were okay with water -they did swimming lessons at the local pool, which if they can do that, it's a straight forward way to learn. (I've heard other people doing private lessons if they couldn’t get into regular classes, sometimes waiting lists are long).  Mine both started around 5, though would depend on if you felt your child would manage?

    The times they made the biggest progress though was often when we'd go on holiday and spend a lot of time playing in a warm pool with them. They might make more progress in a few days then in the months of lessons! But the lessons helped as it was regular. (Though if you go regularly in free time maybe that could help?)

    If you have sensory aversion to deal with, that is trickier. Sometimes starting in the bath and getting them enjoying pouring water over themselves with fun cups/bottles can get them used to it? And if they find pools loud, finding out from staff when is quiet is a good idea too!

Children
No Data