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Can children with autism swim?
As temperatures rise and families across New Hampshire and Massachusetts head to pools, beaches, and lakes, water safety becomes more than just a seasonal concern. For families raising children with autism, the risks are even higher, and the need for awareness during National Water Safety Month is urgent.
In the Summer season, many families wonder: Can children with autism swim? Yes, children with autism can learn to swim—and often enjoy the water—but it comes with unique challenges. Some children are naturally drawn to water due to sensory preferences, while others may not recognize danger or understand boundaries. For parents of children with autism, the question isn’t just “Can my child swim,” but “How can I keep them safe while they do?”
May marks National Water Safety Month, a time to spotlight the importance of water safety and drowning prevention. Understanding and addressing swim safety is critical for all families. Autism can present unique challenges around water, making focused awareness and prevention strategies essential.
This blog by ABA Centers of America explores the risks, preventative measures, and resources available to help parents and caregivers in New England ensure their loved ones’ safety. Whether it’s swimming lessons tailored to neurodiverse children or securing a backyard pool, small steps can save lives.
Why National Water Safety Month Matters More for Children with Autism
Drowning is the primary cause of accidental death for children on the spectrum. According to the National Autism Association, accidental drowning accounted for over 70% of all deaths in children with autism ages 14 and younger in recent years. That’s a staggering statistic that underscores why National Water Safety Month isn’t just an awareness campaign—it’s a lifesaving initiative.
Children with autism often face specific challenges in water-related environments, including:
- Elopement (wandering behavior): Many children on the autism spectrum are drawn to water, which can lead to dangerous situations if a child wanders from their caregiver.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Water can present overwhelming sensory experiences, from its texture to the sounds of splashing, making safety instructions harder for some children to process.
- Difficulty Recognizing Danger: Many children with autism may not intuitively recognize water as a hazard, making supervision particularly critical.
Understanding these swim safety challenges emphasizes the importance of integrating tailored drowning prevention measures into daily life.
Swim Safety Tips for Families of Children with Autism
Drowning prevention isn’t just about one solution; it requires multiple layers of protection. Below are practical strategies families can use for drowning prevention this National Water Safety Month and during the whole summer season:
- Designate a Water Watcher
Never assume someone else is watching your child. Assign a sober, undistracted adult as the designated “Water Watcher” whenever your child is near water. This person should avoid phones and alcohol and should switch with another adult every 15-20 minutes to maintain vigilance.
The YMCA’s “Phones Down, Eyes Up” campaign perfectly captures the importance of focused attention while supervising children in or around water.
- Use Visual Supports and Clear Rules
Children with autism prefer visual cues and social stories, which present scenarios in accessible ways and step-by-step narratives. Use signs, visual schedules, or social stories to explain safety rules. Reinforce messages like “Ask before going near water” or “Stay where an adult can see you.”
- Enroll in Swim Lessons Early
Early swim instruction is one of the best drowning prevention tools available. Look for adaptive programs in New Hampshire or Massachusetts, like:
- Swim Angelfish: Offers specialized swim instruction for children with autism in the Northeast.
- Local YMCAs in both states, including the YMCA of Greater Boston and the YMCA of Greater Nashua, offer inclusive swim classes.
- Install Barriers and Use Life Jackets
Physical barriers are crucial. If you have a pool at home, install four-sided fencing around any pool with self-latching gates, ensuring the fence completely isolates the pool from the house and yard, is at least four feet tall, and has a self-latching gate. Supplement this security measure with pool alarms or covers for added peace of mind.
Always use life jackets in natural water settings like lakes or the ocean. Choose U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests and make sure they fit snugly.
- Practice Water Safety Drills
Practice water entry and exit strategies, emergency responses, and staying calm in water. Role-play scenarios with your child to help them build confidence and preparedness. Parents and caregivers can take CPR and First Aid training to ensure they’re equipped to respond quickly during an emergency. The American Red Cross and local health organizations frequently offer courses.
How ABA Therapy Supports Swim Safety and Drowning Prevention
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy isn’t just about teaching language or social skills. It’s a powerful tool for building real-life, practical behaviors—including safety routines.
ABA can help your child learn:
- To respond to instructions like “stop,” “come here,” or “wait.”
- To request help or indicate discomfort, even with nonverbal communication.
- To follow multi-step instructions, such as putting on a life jacket or waiting for an adult.
- Reducing wandering behaviors is a key factor in many water-related incidents.
At ABA Centers of America, our therapists work with families to create personalized strategies that build independence and safety—in and out of the water. We’re here to help your child thrive in every environment.
National Water Safety Month: Keeping Your Child Safe in and Around Water
As we honor National Water Safety Month this May, we urge families to make water safety a lifelong priority. When it comes to water safety for children with autism, knowledge is power. By blending adaptive instruction, proactive prevention, support like ABA therapy, and community resources, you can help eliminate the unique risks faced by neurodiverse children. Remember, the key to drowning prevention is taking a multi-layered approach that combines education, supervision, and secure environments.
Don’t wait until summer is in full swing to prepare. Now is the time to take steps toward greater peace of mind.
If you’re in New Hampshire or Massachusetts and want more information on how ABA Centers of America can support your family, call us at (844) 923-4222 or contact us online. We’re here to help you navigate every season with confidence and care.
Stay safe, stay aware, and enjoy the water.
