Swimming and Autism: Benefits & Risks

By sandra.caplesc…, 26 October, 2021

Accidental drowning poses a significant risk for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Tragically, 91% of accidental death for children with autism younger than 14 happen because they wander away from homes or schools. Many families report their child missing long enough to cause concerns, and 32% were found near water, unattended. Children are drawn to water because of its calming and soothing sensory experience, but it can be dangerous.

Swimming is a life-saving skill—and makes kids happy!

While there is no evidence that swimming lessons help ease ASD symptoms, they may decrease the risk of drowning. However, special needs children and adults have unique challenges, such as motor learning and impaired communication skills. Luckily, many pools offer private lessons in a safe environment, where the child will learn the basics of water safety.

As a parent, it's normal to be anxious around water. However, if supervised, learning to swim can have a positive impact on a child's life. Studies have shown that children with ASD enjoy being in the water more than normal children. So what are the actual benefits of swimming? Let's find out!

Swimming Benefits for Children with Autism

Children with ASD struggle with sensory overload. Exposure to certain textures, bright lights, or loud sounds may cause anxiety which swimming can alleviate. Autistic kids thrive on routine, so the rhythmic and repetitive movements make them comfortable. It’s a preferred sport among children with ASD (and experts agree) because of the low social demands and coordination. The buoyancy of water supports the body movement of children with motor impairments and may decrease fears of injury from physical activities.

Being in a pool is therapeutic for many autistic children. They find it calming by giving them a sense of weightlessness. Swimming can bring increased strength, balance, and endurance, and it's excellent for children with ASD that often engage in sedentary activities. If they stay all day indoors, playing video games or watching TV, kids are at risk for obesity. Many parents have also noticed a confidence and self-esteem boost.

It would be best if you started the lessons early, but remember to cater to your autistic child's unique needs. A good swim instructor will know what to do and has experience working with autistic children. Under certified supervision, your child can thrive.

Here are a few reasons why swimming is great for kids with ASD.

Physical Health

Active water play and swimming are fun. Kids with autism will love it, and it's a great way to integrate physical activity and movement into your child's life. Since it's a low-impact exercise, it can boost cardiovascular and physical health and build strength and muscle tone. It's also great for developing the vestibular system, the body part that deals with balance. The pool is a fun and relaxing environment where your child can kick, stroke, or splash! Your child will also learn to coordinate different motions while floating and give him a sense of freedom in the buoyant environment. If you don't want to go to a pool yet, you can practice swimming in shallow water. Remember always to encourage your child as he reaches goals.

The Perfect Sensory Environment

Water is calming. The repetitive rhythm, the underwater silence, and the weightless feeling relax a child with ASD. Autistic kids have difficulty processing sensory information, like touch and sounds, so swimming offers soothing qualities. It has to do something with the deep pressure stimulation the water puts on the body, almost 30 times more than air. In this calming environment, children can organize their sensory inputs and give them the confidence to tackle the world. Of course, pools can be a noisy environment and overwhelming for children, but take it easy. An instructor will know what to do.

Drowning Prevention

Water safety is essential. Children with autism are more at risk of drowning because they tend to run and hide in unfamiliar territories. Since children have an affinity to water, it can pose a threat. Swimming can save lives and can be the difference between life or death. Pools are also great for proprioceptive feedback because of the resistance of the water, improving spatial sense. The children will be more aware of the water depth and, due to the improved balance, they won't fall into the water that easily. Drowning is preventable, but you should always supervise your children when near any body of water.

Therapy Sessions

The benefits of aquatic therapy are well-known and documented. It's one of the most effective forms of treatment for ASD due to the ideal environment for exercise and rehabilitation. The constant temperature, buoyancy, pressure, and density help the autistic child reduce body weight, relax his muscles, and reduce stress levels. It's also helpful in improving speech and cognitive function, as well as reducing anxiety levels. Your child will cope better with the stress of everyday situations and regulate his emotions.

A Chance to Socialize

Social interaction is the biggest obstacle for kids with an autism spectrum disorder to overcome. Even if swimming requires minimum social interaction, it still helps a child with ASD improve social competence. He learns how to self-regulate antisocial behavior during a swimming program. The children will learn to engage with peers, cooperate and share toys, take turns during play, and keep physical boundaries. Moreover, there is evidence that it improves initiating and maintaining eye contact. Blowing bubbles also helps the child develop strong oral motor skills that assist with speech development. Focusing on simple tasks such as holding breath or being underwater alone won't put pressure on the child to succeed or the responsibility for a team's success. They will interact at a level they are comfortable with.

Creative Play

In pools, children can play all day long. It allows them to create new games and use their imagination when exploring water. They can play with the buoyancy of certain items, whether they sink or float. You can also buy safe toys, such as a water table, to let them engage in sensory play. Setting up a water table is perfect for children who are not independent enough to play in a pool. Swimming is also a great alternative to many sedentary leisure activities, and it's an exercise that will sustain the child's attention for long periods.

Here are some toys you can try:

Emotional Benefits

Swimming will make your child happy. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the smile on his face when he completes a specific goal. Your child will feel more confident, and acquiring swimming skills will boost his self-esteem. Many experience a sense of achievement when learning to swim because they discover new abilities each time. Water also regulates emotions such as frustration in many people with autism. It will also boost the child's interest in siblings and caregivers. Plus, the whole family can take part in the activity and enjoy a fantastic day off.

Conclusion

Always encourage your child with autism. He needs you to support him, and verbal praise will make him happy. Through swimming, you'll build confidence but instill valuable lessons in your child: the importance of water safety. If your child happens to be wandering around, water will not prove to be a danger. Safety skills like floating or exiting a pool without aid will make the difference between life or death.

Swimming lessons for children improve mental and physical fortitude but don't worry if your child won't take to water instantly. With perseverance, everything is possible. Swimming is the key to preventing accidental death in children in the future. If you're feeling unsure, talk to an experienced instructor. They are equipped to nurture your autistic child's abilities to the max.

Remember that children develop at different rates, so take that into account when making this decision. While you can start swimming lessons early, keep your child's emotional and physical maturity (and developmental abilities and limitations) in mind. As a parent, you know what's best for your baby.