Laura is a very bright and very enthusiastic five-year old, but struggles in social situations. According to her father, "Because of autism she gets overwhelmed easily. In some ways, it's easier to deal with a child that's withdrawn and fearful, but she's friendly and wants to engage and is desperate to make friends."
It has been tough for Laura to find activities that she enjoys and is able to participate in. Her father says, "We've looked at many [activities], but she doesn't really fit in. She struggles in mainstream activities. The [Autism-Friendly] swim lessons are the only thing she enjoys. Especially in the last session, when I didn't have to get in the pool. On the last day, she went to the pool by herself and was very proud."
Prior to her first lesson, it took a couple of months of preparation to get Laura ready. Our programme coordinator and swim instructors have one-on-one calls with each child and guardian and are very open to any and all questions and accommodations. On offer are samples of pool water (to familiarise children with the smell and feel of the pool water), visits to the centre, and social stories (a printed booklet with photos and descriptions of everything the child might encounter during the lesson). Laura's parents took her to the pool and showed her the pool area. "We sat in the cafe and got used to the environment. We spoke to the instructor and learned how the process would work. This was all guided by her. For me, it was about finding out as much information as possible - toilet, change room, etc. Laura loves water. She's a water baby, so we were hopeful that it would work out."
According to Laura's father, "Getting to the pool the first time was a bit nerve wracking for myself, but once we arrived it was really nice. The instructor, Anna, took over a lot of the steps. She was very friendly and bubbly. But overall, it was lots of prep and lots of questions and seeking information. What was nice is that I was made to feel like I could ask questions, not that we were putting anyone out."
At the first lesson, Laura was smiling and engaged. She approached the drawing station and drew 10 pictures of herself swimming and enjoying her lesson. She made eye contact and smiled at the staff and her instructor. She was excited to change into her swim clothes and got into the pool with no fuss. She engaged with the instructor and followed instruction with no problems. Subsequent lessons have been similar and she has progressed to entering the pool by herself (with no guardian in the pool).
According to her father, "There have been several long-term benefits. Engaging with another trusted adult is a huge step. Learning water safety is life-saving . She's also building friends and connections, which will benefit her for the rest of her life."
Halo Leisure will be running Autism Friendly Swim sessions during May Half Term from 28th until 30th May 2024 from 9.30am to 11.30am. To find out more about Halo's Autism Friendly Swim here
To register your interest or get further information, please email: autism-swim@haloleisure.org.uk
To register your interest or get further information, please email: autism-swim@haloleisure.org.uk
