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How Can I Help My Child with Autism Engage with the Water Safely?
Water safety is a vital worry for many families who cherish the time they spend splashing around in the water. However, water safety skills become more crucial than ever when you have a child or teenager with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. In fact, according to the National Autism Society, neurodivergent children are 160 times more likely to drown in comparison to their neurotypical peers.
This alarming statistic demonstrates the significant importance of recognizing the dangers water and swimming can pose to those on the spectrum who lack the appropriate water safety skills, ABA resources, or supervision.
Upon reviewing the potential dangers water engagement can present alongside its benefits, including sensory exploration and physical improvements, many parents of ASD children and teens question: how can I help my child with autism engage with the water safely?
In this comprehensive guide by Texas ABA Centers, we’ll explore the distinct challenges those with autism face around water engagement and swimming. We will also explore why water safety skills are critical for the ASD population and their surrounding communities.
Sadly, tragic unintentional drownings do occur, like the passing of a young girl with ASD in Massachusetts, recently found unresponsive in her neighbor’s pool.
Finally, this blog will also provide actionable ABA tips and practical strategies for caregivers to teach water safety skills to their children alongside ABA therapy for more effective, long-term results.
By learning more about these challenges in ASD related to water safety and recognizing how to address them, caregivers and allies can secure safer and more enjoyable water experiences for their ASD loved ones as pool parties and beach event invites roll in!
So, keep reading as we examine how ABA therapy plays a significant role in teaching these valuable, life-saving skills, which lead to safer water experiences throughout the year and better overall life outcomes.
Visit us here for more information about Texas ABA Centers. Click here to read our other blogs about autism, ABA, and neurodiversity.
Defining Autism Spectrum Disorder
According to Autism Speaks, autism is a neurodevelopment disorder that presents various challenges, including:
- Sensory Processing Difficulties
- Communication Deficits
- Repetitive and Restrictive Behaviors
These factors can make traditional swim lessons or recreational water activities challenging for individuals with autism for a variety of reasons that many families can address through ABA therapy for ASD symptom management.
Understanding the Challenges of Swimming and Water Safety for Those on the ASD Spectrum
Understanding how specific features of autism can make the water more challenging for those on the spectrum includes defining these struggles in the context of water engagement.
The following explores how specific features of autism can make swimming or water engagement limiting for some:
Sensory Processing Differences
The unique sensory processing differences that individuals on the spectrum experience make swimming challenging for some. Water can be an overwhelming sensory experience due to its texture, temperature, and the sounds associated with swimming. These elements can lead to feelings of overload, making it difficult for the child to enjoy or even tolerate being in the water.
These sensory processing difficulties can also make it difficult for individuals to detect when they are in the water too deep or when the temperature is too hot or cold, which can also be dangerous.
Communication Barriers
Communication challenges are another significant factor to consider regarding water safety for safer swimming with autism. Many with ASD find it difficult to understand verbal instructions or communicate their discomfort or distress while swimming.
These communication difficulties can make it harder for ASD children to respond appropriately in emergencies or ask for help, increasing the risk of unintentional drowning accidents or mistakenly resisting help.
Attraction to Water and Elopement
Individuals with autism often have a strong attraction to water, drawn by its reflective properties and calming effects. While this makes it a source of joy and productive sensory exploration, it also poses a danger if the ASD individual wanders off, also called elopement. This behavior can go unnoticed, and children can find themselves near a body of water without supervision, which can be fatal.
The Importance of Teaching Water Safety Skills in Autism
Given the increased risk of drowning among children with autism, it is crucial to teach them essential water safety skills. Learning these skills not only promotes a safer environment for everyone but also empowers individuals with autism to participate in enjoyable water activities more independently.
Using ABA Therapy to Learn Water Safety Skills
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, is a practical and compassionate approach to teaching various skills to individuals with autism, including those related to water safety through a behavioral context.
ABA techniques focus on breaking down complex tasks, such as daily living skills, into smaller, more manageable steps and reinforcing each one until the ABA client masters the skill.
For example, the individual may practice all the steps to putting on their swim floaties until they can do so without any help.
ABA providers can motivate ABA progress using various systems, including task analysis, NET teaching, positive reinforcement, and more!
7 Practical ABA Strategies for Teaching Water Safety Skills as Caregivers
As a caregiver or parent, you play a crucial role in teaching your child with autism essential water safety skills.
Here are some practical ABA strategies you can use to support your child’s learning of these vital teachings:
- Practice Safety Rules and Routines: Consistently review and practice water safety rules and routines before entering any body of water.
- Use Positive Reinforcement Whenever Possible: Praise and reinforce safe swimming and poolside behaviors, such as staying within designated areas, listening to instructions, and wearing life jackets.
- Practice Safe Entry and Exiting of Bodies of Water: Teach your child how to enter and exit the pool, hot tub, or any body of water as safely as possible. Caregivers should teach kids how to use ladders and recognize the shallow end versus the deep end.
- Utilize Proactive Boundaries and Fences: Set clear physical and visual boundaries around pools and other bodies of water. Use colorful tapes or cones to mark safe zones distinctly.
- Teach About Threats of Water: Ensure your child understands the hazards of water and has expectations around what can happen.
- Introduce Gradual Exposure: Gradually introduce your child to different water settings, starting with less intimidating environments like a bathtub or small kiddy pool. Slowly increase the complexity as they become more comfortable.
- Consider Specialized Swim Classes for Individuals with Autism: Look for swim classes specifically designed for children with autism. These classes often have instructors trained in both swimming and autism-specific strategies, providing a more supportive learning experience.
Water Safety Skills Can Keep Swimming Fun and Safe for Everyone, Regardless of Neurodiversity!
Water safety is a critical skill for everyone, but it is especially essential for children and teenagers with autism. By understanding their unique challenges and implementing ABA strategies, you can significantly enhance your child’s safety around water and even foster safer, more positive associations with it.
So, learn and teach your water safety skills, then dive in! Happy, Safe Swimming!
More about Texas ABA Centers and How We Can Support Your Child or Teen with Autism
At Texas ABA Centers, we specialize in providing comprehensive ABA care services tailored to the unique needs of children and teenagers with autism, alongside autism diagnostic services.
Our experienced team of ABA providers works closely with families to develop custom ABA treatment plans that focus on building upon essential life skills, including positively reinforcing water safety skills.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your child’s communication and social skills or teach them crucial safety measures, our ABA programs can positively impact the lives of your neurodiverse family.
We proudly serve areas of Texas, including Dallas, Katy, and Austin. Ready to take the next step?
Contact Texas ABA Centers today via this online link or by calling us at (877) 771-5725 to learn more about our services and how we can help your child with ASD thrive sooner rather than later.
At Texas ABA Centers, our ABA experts are here to help you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach us all season long.