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Preparing Autistic Children for Swim Lessons- Simple Steps to Having Successful Swim Lessons for Kids with Autism
- Autism-Talk
- May 31, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 31
Reflecting on my experiences with my now 10-year-old, there are certainly a few things I wish I had done differently, especially when it came to successful autism swim lessons. My son has verbal apraxia, making him difficult to understand when he was younger, and I hadn’t prepared the swim instructor for this. I still vividly remember him shrieking as the swim instructor tried to pull him into the water. He was saying, "I can't swim!" but the instructor couldn't understand him. Amidst the chaos of the class, his fear went unnoticed, and things quickly went downhill from there. To this day, he refuses to have anything to do with swim lessons. Like so many autistic children, one negative experience was enough to shape his perception of whether an activity was for him or strictly off-limits.
Introduction:
Swim lessons offer numerous benefits for children, including water safety skills, physical exercise, and social interaction. However, for autistic children, swim lessons can present challenges. With careful preparation and support, though, parents can help their autistic children feel comfortable and confident in the water. Here's a comprehensive guide to preparing autistic children for swim lessons.
Table of Contents:
Understanding the Challenges
Autistic children may face various challenges during swim lessons, including sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, and anxiety. Understanding these challenges is essential for developing effective strategies to support them in the water.
Ensuring Effective Communication During Swim Lessons
One crucial aspect of preparing for swim lessons is ensuring your child has a reliable way to communicate their needs, especially when they are anxious or upset. Basic requests like "break," "toilet," or "I'm scared" are essential for your child to express, and there are several ways to facilitate this communication.
Hand Signs: Teaching your child simple hand signs for common needs can be very effective. For example, a hand gesture for "break" or "toilet" can be quickly understood by the instructor and other staff.
Picture Cards: Laminated picture cards on a ring or a sheet of paper can serve as a portable and durable communication tool. Your child can point to images representing their needs, making it easy for them to convey their message even if they are non-verbal or too anxious to speak. These cards can be purchased online and downloaded for immediate use, or you can create your own customized set tailored to your child's specific needs and preferences.
Tablet Communication Apps: If your child is comfortable using a tablet, there are numerous communication programs available that can help them express their needs. These apps often use symbols, pictures, and text-to-speech features to aid communication.
It's important to remember that communication abilities can diminish when a person is anxious or upset. Planning for this by having multiple communication methods available can help ensure your child feels safe and understood during their swim lessons.
Making sure these tools are in place and that the swim instructor is familiar with them can make a significant difference in your child's comfort and success in the pool. Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure your child’s needs are promptly met, leading to a more positive and supportive swim class experience. (Read more about visual supports and PECS with autistic children here.)
Developing a Social Skill Story for Swim Class
Creating a social skill story about swim class can significantly help prepare autistic children for what to expect before, during, and after their lessons. (Read more about social skill stories here.) In your story, include details about the pool environment, swim attire, and expected behaviors. Address specific concerns your child might have, such as splashing water or loud noises, and offer solutions or coping strategies within the story.
Use simple language and incorporate visuals to make the story engaging and easy to understand. You can find pre-made social stories available for purchase "Swim
Class Social Skill Story if the idea of coming up with a story on your own seems overwhelming.
However, writing your own can be straightforward and allows for personalization with photos of the actual pool and other relevant details. If you choose to create your own, consider adding a favorite character that your child relates to, making the story even more appealing and relatable.
Using Visual Supports to Prepare for Autism and Swim Class
Visual supports, like picture schedules or visual timetables, can make swim lessons smoother by providing structure and predictability. Here's how you can use them effectively:
Getting Ready: Visual Steps
Start with visuals for pre-class tasks like "get dressed," "pack swim bag," and "put on goggles." These images help set clear expectations and make the process less stressful. For instance, a picture of a swimsuit and towel can remind your child what to wear and bring.
During Class: Activity Visuals
In the pool, use images for activities such as "kick," "paddle board," and "wait for turn." These visuals make instructions clear and reduce anxiety by providing a stable reference. While spoken instructions can be fleeting, pictures stay put and can be referred back to, which is especially helpful for autistic children.
After Class: Transition Visuals
Post-swim visuals like "dry off," "get dressed," and "go home" can help your child transition smoothly from the pool to their regular routine. A picture of a towel can signal it's time to dry off, while a clothes image can cue them to change.
Why Visuals Work
Visuals offer a lasting reference that spoken words can't. They reduce anxiety by making activities predictable and manageable. Simple clip art, photos, or hand-drawn pictures work well. You can even make your own or buy a set like this one Swim Class Autism Visual Schedule.
Incorporating these visuals can turn swim lessons into a more enjoyable and less stressful experience for your child. Plus, it helps everyone stay on the same page—literally!
Introducing the Swim Teacher
Before the first swim lesson, introduce your child to the swim teacher. Schedule a brief meeting or exchange emails to discuss your child's needs, preferences, and any concerns. Building a rapport with the teacher can help create a supportive and understanding learning environment. It can also be helpful to let your child visit the location so they know what it will look like, smell like, sound like, etc.
Communicating with the Instructor
Inform the swim teacher about your child's specific needs and sensitivities. Share information about sensory triggers, communication preferences, and strategies for managing challenging behaviors. Collaboration between parents and teachers is crucial for ensuring a positive experience.
Addressing Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities, such as sensitivity to water or noise, can impact a child's comfort level during swim lessons. Here are some solutions to help:
Noise Levels: Provide earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to minimize distractions and discomfort from the loud pool environment.
Splashing Water: Use swim goggles or a swim cap to reduce sensory input from splashing water. Explain that it’s okay to take breaks and dry off with a towel whenever needed.
Water Temperature: Introduce the idea of gradually getting used to the water by first dipping their toes, then splashing their hands, and slowly easing in. A wetsuit can help if the water feels too cold.
Pool Smells: The smell of chlorine can be strong. Suggest bringing a familiar-scented lotion or essential oil to sniff before entering the pool area to counteract the chlorine smell. An object with the odor can be placed next to the pool where child can access it and hold it up to smell when they would like, such as a small bottle of hand lotion.
Texture Sensitivity: If the texture of swimwear or the pool surface is an issue, try different types of swimwear made from softer materials. Some suits now come with liners that may make the suit easier to tolerate and less likely to chafe. Water shoes can help if the pool floor feels uncomfortable.
Transition Times: Transitions can be tough. Use a visual timer or countdown to help them understand when one activity will end, and another will begin. Visual schedules can also show the sequence of activities, providing a clear structure.
By addressing these sensory concerns, you can help your child feel more comfortable and prepared for their swim class experience. Tailoring these strategies to their specific needs can make a big difference in reducing anxiety and building confidence.
Fostering Positive Experiences and Building Confidence in the Water
Focus on fostering positive experiences and building confidence in the water. Praise your child's efforts and celebrate small achievements, no matter how minor they may seem. Encourage them to explore and enjoy the water at their own pace, without pressure or expectations.
If your child is very anxious, it can be helpful to take small steps. For instance, start by having your child simply observe a swim class from the poolside. Let them get used to the sights, sounds, and activity in a non-threatening way. Once they feel comfortable, they might be ready to dip their toes in or sit on the edge of the pool with their feet in the water. Gradually increase their participation, ensuring each step is manageable and they feel safe.
Another approach is to have a plan where the parent is initially in the water with the child but gradually fades away as the child becomes more comfortable. This could start with you holding them in the pool, then slowly giving them more independence, such as standing nearby, then moving further away until they are participating independently. It’s crucial to communicate this plan clearly to your child so they understand that the support will gradually be reduced. This transparency helps them feel secure, knowing what to expect at each stage.
Implementing a step-by-step approach tailored to your child's comfort level can make a world of difference. By acknowledging their fears and providing a structured path towards independence, you help build their confidence and foster a love for swimming that can last a lifetime.
Celebrating Achievements
As your child progresses in swim lessons, celebrate their achievements and milestones. Recognize their hard work and perseverance, whether it's mastering a new stroke or overcoming a fear of water. Celebrating achievements reinforces their sense of accomplishment and encourages continued participation.
Conclusion:
Preparing autistic children for swim lessons requires thoughtful planning, communication, and support. By implementing strategies such as social stories, visual supports, and effective communication with swim teachers, parents can help their children feel confident and empowered in the water. With patience, encouragement, and positive reinforcement, swim lessons can become a rewarding and enjoyable experience for autistic children.
Additional resources
Looking for some additional resources on this topic? Check these out.
End of the School Year Summer Schedule Changes Autism Social Skill Story and Summer Mini Book - Etsy
Autism Talk is an Educational Blog dedicated to fostering understanding and support for individuals on the autism spectrum through informative content and community engagement.
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