Children with autism are at a higher-than-average risk of drowning for several reasons, including the difficulties associated with finding a qualified instructor to effectively teach them how to swim. Another reason autistic children are more likely to drown is because they have a tendency to wander off. Water is attractive for all children, so drowning is a possibility in these situations if the child hasn’t learned how to swim.
In Florida, for instance, over 100 children diagnosed with autism or being evaluated for autism have drowned between 2021 and 2025 according to the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County.
One of the difficulties in getting proper swimming instruction for autistic children is that they will often encounter challenges in a traditional swimming class. Younger autistic children can struggle to even get into a pool, let alone be open to instruction when there are several other children in the water, and they struggle with sensory overload concerns. Autistic children are also more likely to experience a meltdown mid-session that impacts the experience.
If possible, then it’s preferable to attempt to join a smaller class, get a one-on-one instructor, or find a specialist who specifically works with autistic children. This type of learning experience will allow the child to first get comfortable with the water and then start to engage in learning how to swim effectively.
An estimated one in 31 American children fall on the autism spectrum. Small Fish Big Fish is a swimming school that specifically caters to individuals with autism. The school offers a starter swimming class with one-on-one instruction. For higher-needs students, the class can offer two instructors per student. One of these instructors can carry cards to help students effectively communicate with teachers with far less stress. This course also offers accommodation for sensory needs students. For instance, no whistles are used.
If you’re concerned that your autistic child might get overwhelmed attempting a traditional swimming class, then it might be beneficial to seek out a specialist or autistic-based swimming course, like Small Fish Big Fish. Florida’s Children’s Service Councils of Palm Beach County have invested $17,000 to train dozens of swimming instructors through the Autism Society of America.
Does Your Autistic Child Need More Support?
Swimming is just one vital skill that could prove life-changing and even lifesaving for an autistic child. In general, the more specialized services that are offered to a younger autistic child, the more likely they are to thrive and experience the best possible quality of life.
Here at the Nevada Autism Center, our team seeks to empower young autistic children to thrive by teaching them other types of vital skills. We provide ABA therapy with the goal of offering your child the best opportunity to become as independent, autonomous, and successful as possible in the future.
Get started on enrolling your child in our program by filling out our online form now or give us a call at (702) 660-2005 to talk to one of our team members.
