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Can Children with Autism Swim Safely?
May is National Water Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting safer water practices. For many families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), water safety is critical. Many children with autism are naturally drawn to water. However, many may not fully understand the dangers of being near or in it.
While water activities often bring joy and relaxation, according to reports, drowning is a significant risk for youth with autism. Statistics leave many neurodiverse families considering ways to keep their children on the spectrum safe around the water all summer long.
Many ask: Can children with autism swim safely?
The answer is yes, but it requires extra precaution and support. For many, this means taking swimming lessons, getting comfortable with life-saving tools, and following specific safety measures.
Many also receive support for swimming and water safety through ABA therapy.
These steps help caregivers and allies ensure the safety of children with autism, leading to more enjoyable and beneficial experiences in the water for everyone.
In this article by ABA Centers of New Jersey, we will explore the importance of water safety for children with autism and provide tips on how to keep your child safe in and around water.
Finally, we will discuss how ABA therapy can help! So, keep reading to learn more about this critical topic!
Explore ASD and ABA services offered by ABA Centers of New Jersey here! Visit our blog page for articles on raising children on the autism spectrum, how ABA can help, and much more.
Importance of National Water Safety Month for Children with Autism
Before delving into prevention strategies, it’s essential to understand why children with autism are particularly vulnerable to water safety hazards and why National Water Safety Month is so critical.
National Water Safety Month is an excellent opportunity to educate families and caregivers on the importance of water safety for children with autism.
Children on the autism spectrum often have sensory issues. Due to its texture and feel, water may appeal to them immensely. Unfortunately, this fascination can override their natural fear of danger.
As a result, they are more likely to wander into bodies of water without understanding the consequences. Wandering is a form of elopement that can be common in autism.
Additionally, children with autism may struggle with communication and social cues, making it difficult for them to understand verbal warnings or communicate their needs when in a dangerous situation.
These communication difficulties can further increase their risk of drowning or getting hurt.
Furthermore, environments with open water can be unpredictable and change rapidly, making it difficult for caregivers to supervise and ensure the safety of their children, increasing the danger.
7 Water Safety Tips for Youth with Autism
Drowning prevention involves multiple approaches for adequate safety.
Here are practical tips families can adopt during National Water Safety Month and throughout the summer season to ensure safety around water!
1. Swim Lessons
Swimming lessons are an essential aspect of water safety for any child, including those with autism. However, it’s crucial to find a swim instructor who has experience working with children on the spectrum and understands their unique needs.
These instructors should also be patient, use visual aids, and use hands-on techniques to teach swimming skills.
2. Establish Safety Rules
It’s essential to establish clear and consistent rules around water safety for children with autism. These rules should be specific, simple, and easy for them to understand.
Visual aids and social stories can help reinforce these rules.
3. Assign a Water Watcher
Assigning a responsible adult the official “water watcher” role adds an extra layer of security and safety for neurodivergent children during water play. This person should be able to pay close attention to the child while the child is always in or near water.
4. Practice Water Safety Skills
Regularly practicing water safety skills with your child can help reinforce their understanding of water safety and what to do in case of an emergency.
Try to focus on essentials like:
- Learning how to swim
- Floating on their back
- Practicing reaching for a pool noodle or other flotation device if they fall into the water
It’s essential to make these lessons fun and interactive to keep the child engaged and motivated to learn.
5. Install Barriers and Use Life Jackets
One of the most critical steps in water safety for children on the spectrum is to install barriers around bodies of water. Barriers to water may include pool fences, gates, and covers to prevent unsupervised access.
Additionally, caregivers always ensure that their ASD child wears a properly fitted life jacket when in or near bodies of water.
6. Develop a Water Safety Plan
Creating a structured water safety plan tailored to your family’s needs can drastically improve preparedness.
Include steps such as designating one adult to supervise during activities, keeping emergency contact numbers readily available, and equipping your child with the tools they need to remain safe during water-based outings.
7. Familiarize First Responders with Your Child’s Needs
Engage with local first responders, such as lifeguards or your community’s emergency teams, to inform them about your child’s specific needs. Provide information about communication preferences, sensory triggers, or calming techniques that would assist in the event of an emergency.
Additionally, consider purchasing wearable tracking devices for children with ASD who are prone to wandering. These devices can provide critical assistance in locating your child quickly if they are likely to walk into open water spaces.
How ABA Can Help with Water Safety All Year Long
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, is a highly effective and evidence-based therapy for addressing behavioral challenges in children with autism, including those related to water safety.
ABA care focuses on helping individuals on the autism spectrum acquire daily living skills. Teachings include following directions and understanding behavioral expectations through positive reinforcement techniques.
These methods assist children in developing safe and responsible behavior, both around water and in other areas of life. They are especially beneficial during the early developmental stages.
Understanding Water Safety Is Crucial for Families with a Loved One on The ASD Spectrum!
As we celebrate National Water Safety Month, it’s essential to be careful and learn how to keep safe in and around water. For families raising loved ones on the autism spectrum, this includes understanding the specific challenges they face.
This knowledge helps create a safe environment where loved ones can enjoy water activities while reducing the risks of harm. So, let’s work together to prioritize safety and encourage everyone’s positive relationship with water!
Happy National Water Safety Month from ABA Centers of New Jersey!
Have a More Incredible, Safe Summer with the Help of ABA Centers of New Jersey
ABA Centers of New Jersey is a leading provider of ABA therapy services for children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder.
Our approach to ABA care utilizes the principles of ABA science to help youth with ASD learn and improve their behavior in various settings, fostering brighter days and safer summers!
Contact ABA Centers of New Jersey online or by calling us at (855) 640-7888 for more guidance on creating tailored strategies for your neurodiverse family through our ABA care and autism diagnostic services!
Our team of ABA experts is ready to support you in building safe and inclusive ABA plans for every experience. Don’t hesitate to connect with us.
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