The challenge for us is that Hannah loves the water and she also has no fear.
She wants to "swim and be with her friends" as she tells me while in the pool.
Of course, she can't swim yet and "her friends" are just other kids in the pool that she doesn't know enjoying themselves.
Who can blame her, I want to go and swim around too.
Unfortunately this summer's first time in the pool was a rude awaking. We decided that this particular hot day was a great time to head to our community pool. I just wasn't prepared for the constant watching, holding and guiding that was about to happen.
Yes , I knew her limitations in the water and that her abilities the previous summer were limited but for some reason I just felt unprepared for the challenges that happened.
Her zeal and excitement caught me off guard and her unwillingness to accept the fact that she couldn't swim was very daunting to say the least. It look John and I to keep her safe above the water and in the shallow end of the pool.
In hind sight I must say that her gumption and determination are a real inspiration for me, but during this whole ordeal I told John that we needed to get her private swim lessons. That way she would get one on one attention and be guided and taught water safety. Hopefully she would listen to someone she did not know better and they would get their point across to her and teach her to swim.
So I enrolled her back in July for a once a week time frame and let me tell you, she is doing great.
She looks forward to going and what she is being taught is working.
She loves to be under the water, so retrieving a ring that is put on the bottom of the pool is fun for her.
And although she has not always had the same instructor she seems okay with that too.
Floating and keeping herself above the water are her goals now and she is working hard to get this accomplished as well. We're so proud of her.
The water safety journey is long since over. I will continue to get her classes, perhaps even try a swimming class with other kids at another time.
But the big focus right now is her one on one time that teaches her the basics and gives us a piece of mind that this is all heading in the right direction.
After thoughts.....
Its important to watch and listen to our children's cues and see how we can help them over come the challenges they face when it comes to water.
As many autistic children have heightened sensory disorders this may be more of an adventure then planned but certainly not unobtainable.
Starting with private lessons gives the much needed focus on your child only and ensures the constant eye that is needed for a first time or new swimmer
As I did , talk closely with your local pools water instructors.
1. Ask them if they've had experience with autistic children.
2. Point out the goals you want to see happen with your child
3. If routine is very important to your child, talk to the instructors about having the same
teacher each time your child is in the water for consistency
4. If there is something particular that motivates your child or drives them to try something new tell the instructor so that they have leverage. For Hannah it was/is a paw patrol water toy of sky.
Try another pool if the one you first chose doesn't seem like a good fit.
Remember, we're trying to give our children confidence and the know how to be safe in the water. Place them where they will be excepted and helped with open arms.
How to Teach an Autistic Child to Swim
By Ella Rain Autism Author
Many parents and professionals want to know how to teach an autistic child to swim. Some children naturally love the water while others are very apprehensive. It is important to address swimming on an individual basis for best results. read more