Autism Awareness & Swimming

As many of you are aware (or not) this week is Autism Awareness Week. Did you know that 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys are affected with Autism? 

Want to know more,  learn the signs of Autism.  If nothing else, read some of the experiences that parents and families go through.  It will open your eyes. 

That said, summer is an exciting time for all children.  Swim lessons and water safety are important aspects of any childhood this includes all children with special needs.  Research indicates that swim lessons can have a positive effect on children with Autism not only in the physical sense but also social improvements have been noted.   

We encourage families to explore their options and choose what is best for the special needs swimmer.  It is amazing to see the responses and reactions from these swimmers as they progress and gain confidence in the water.    

Below is a video from Autism Speaks that illustrates the importance of swim instruction and water safety for an Autistic swimmer:

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