Making a Splash: Water Safety for Kids with Autism

Did you know?

• Drowning is the #1 cause of death in autism and Florida leads the way in child drownings resulting in death? (source: Autism Society Florida)
• Children with autism are 5 to 14 times more likely to drown in contrast to children without autism?
• It takes as little as a four-inch opening for a child to escape (source: American Red Cross).
• It takes as little as two inches of water and less than 20 seconds for a child to drown.

Water safety is a top priority for all families, but it’s especially important for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who may face unique challenges around water. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy (PPT), we understand the importance of ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can enjoy the water safely. In this blog, we’ll explore the specific risks ASD children may encounter and how our therapy services can help prepare them for a safe and fun water experience.

Understanding the Risks

Children with autism often have sensory needs that attract them to the water. Additionally, challenges with social cues and safety awareness can put them at increased risk of accidents. Teaching prevention measures and recognizing hazard signs are crucial steps in keeping ASD children safe around water.

Visual Learning for Water Safety

Visual learning plays a key role in water safety to ASD children. At PPT, we recognize that visual tools can be used to reinforce learning not only for children with ASD but for everyone. A big red STOP sign on a pool fence, body of water or any other unsafe location may help every child avoid injury. That’s why we incorporate visual aids into most of our therapy sessions and encourage families to do the same at home. By providing clear visual boundaries and cues, we help ASD children understand and internalize important safety rules.

The Role of Pediatric Therapy

Our Speech Therapy (ST) and Occupational Therapy (OT) programs are designed to address the specific needs of ASD children and prepare them for swimming lessons. Through sensory integration techniques and skill-building activities, we help ASD children develop the foundational skills to begin to navigate water safely.

Empowering Families

We believe that the key to drowning prevention for children with ASD begins with empowering families with knowledge and resources. That’s why we team up with our community partners such as PPT4ed, Small Fish Big Fish Swim School, Superhero Swim Academy, Hope4Mobility, and the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County to help ASD children learn water safety skills in a supportive environment, while ensuring that families have access to the specialized instruction their children need. Furthermore, we provide Occupational, Speech, and Physical therapy services in the pool.

Parent Tips for ASD children

• Install child-proof boundaries and alarms around any pool or body of water at home.
• Create a plan in case your special needs child wanders away.
• Share your plan with your family, neighbors & emergency personnel and tell them about your child’s special needs.
• Swimming lessons can begin as young as 6 months of age (Small Fish Big Fish Swim School, Superhero Swim Academy).
• Free/reduced programs are available: SwimAngel Fish, PBC Prevention Coalition.

Resources for Further Education

• FAU’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)– Their drowning prevention brochure offers valuable information on keeping children with autism safe around water
• Palm Beach County Drowning Prevention Coalition– This organization provides comprehensive resources and educational materials on drowning prevention, including tips specific to children with special needs.
• Autism Society of Florida – Drowning Prevention– The Autism Society of Florida offers insights into the unique risks and challenges faced by children with autism regarding water safety.
• Swim Angel Fish – Adaptive Swim Tips for Parents- This resource offers a free mini-course tailored to parents of children with special needs, providing adaptive swim tips and strategies.
• Focus Florida – Water Safety Tips for Kids with Special Needs– Focus Florida provides specific water safety tips designed for children with special needs, including those with autism.
• Palm Beach County Drowning Prevention Coalition Educational Services– This organization offers educational services focused on drowning prevention, including programs and events aimed at raising awareness and providing resources to families.
• Developing Risk and Safety Life Skills for Persons with Autism– This resource may offer further insights into developing life skills, which can include aspects of water safety relevant to children with autism.
• Plan Your Response for an Autism Emergency

These resources offer valuable insights and strategies for families seeking to enhance water safety for their children with autism. Each source provides unique perspectives and expertise, contributing to a comprehensive approach to drowning prevention and water safety education.

Water safety is a vital skill for children with autism, and with the right support and education, every child can learn to enjoy the water safely. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we’re committed to providing the tools and resources families need to keep their ASD children safe and confident in and around water. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to make a splash safely.

PPT is committed to empowering children and families through specialized Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Feeding Therapy. With a compassionate team of pediatric therapists, PPT focuses on providing individualized care, enhancing development, and fostering hope and happiness in a supportive environment.

Curious if your child could benefit from our services? Contact us. For more parenting tips and tricks, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel. Share your own experiences in the comments below, or reach out if you have any questions!