Introducing Swimming Lessons for Individuals with Autism in Utah

Did you know that children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical counterparts?

Swimming is not only a valuable life skill but also offers numerous benefits for individuals with autism. Given the heightened risk of drowning among this population, incorporating swimming lessons into their routine is both a preventive measure and a therapeutic opportunity.

The Risk of Drowning for Autistic Children

Studies have shown that children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning compared to their neurotypical peers.

 This increased risk is often attributed to a tendency to wander and an attraction to water, coupled with challenges in perceiving danger.

Benefits of Swimming Lessons for Autistic Children and Adults

1. Safety Skills: Learning to swim equips individuals with essential skills to navigate aquatic environments safely, significantly reducing the risk of drowning.

2. Physical Health: Swimming enhances cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, balance, and coordination, boosting their overall physical well-being.

3. Sensory Regulation: The water's gentle pressure provides a calming sensory experience, helping to reduce anxiety and sensory overload.

   Autism Parenting Magazine

4. Confidence Building: Mastering swimming skills fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem, encouraging individuals to tackle new challenges.

   
   

What Nova Supports is Doing to Implement Effective Swimming Programs

We are introducing water safety as a part of ABA therapy at our Ogden clinic. Here's how we can keep everyone safe:**

• Qualified Instructors: We have instructors that are not only Registered Behavior Technicians, but they also are qualified lifeguards with water safety training. Our water safety teachers are trained to work with individuals with autism and understand their unique learning needs. Our water safety instructor will work one-on-one with each client for ultimate oversight and safety.

• Structured Environment: For those who opt in to water safety, once a week each client will participate in swim lessons for about an hour. This helps provide a consistent and predictable setting to help individuals feel secure and focused. You can plan to have ongoing lessons for about 3 months, at which point progress will be evaluated.

• Individualized Approach: We will tailor lessons to each person's abilities and comfort levels, gradually introducing new skills at a manageable pace.

• Parental Involvement: Parents or caregivers may watch the swim sessions in order to help children at home with water safety. This can help reinforce skills learned during lessons.

• Indoor Pool: Our swimming pool is on site and indoors, so no matter the weather, we will complete swim lessons!

• Locked Up For Safety: Our pool is within our clinic building, but in order to keep everyone safe it will be constantly locked. The swim instructor will help clients through the outside door to access the pool. This will ensure no one will accidentally walk into the pool room.

Nova Supports is Dedicated to Saving Lives Through Water Safety

Integrating swimming lessons into the lives of individuals with autism is a proactive step toward enhancing safety and promoting overall well-being. At Nova Supports, we are committed to providing comprehensive programs that address these critical needs, empowering individuals with autism to lead fulfilling and safe lives.

**PLEASE NOTE: *Swimming pool access and water safety ABA lessons may not be available to everyone. Water safety lessons are reserved for Nova Supports' ABA clinic clients. Policies noted in this blog post may change from date of publication. For more information on our swimming safety integration and other services, please contact us on our website.