The document discusses the importance of teaching children with autism how to swim. It notes that children with autism are at a higher risk of drowning, especially in the Pacific Northwest, because many are non-verbal and may wander away unexpectedly. It shares a personal story about a successful experience teaching swimming to a non-verbal student with autism through private lessons using pictures and rewards. Resources for autism swimming programs in the Seattle area are listed, and statistics are provided on autism diagnosis rates and drowning risks.

1. TEACH ALL
CHILDREN HOW
TO SWIMM A D D Y S O N A R N O N E , U W TA C O M A S T U D E N T

2. WHY??
• Children with autism
are at greater risk of
drowning, particularly
in the PNW, because:
–They are frequently
non verbal
–They wander and
bolt unexpectedly
UN Millenial Development Goals

3. A PERSONAL STORY
I’ve been a lifeguard and swim instructor at the YMCA
for 4 years. ”John” was my first special needs swim
student. My greatest joy has been teaching him how
to swim. This was a very slow process that required
patience and perseverance. Swim lessons were private
lessons where we used pictures for instruction,
consistent practice and most importantly we had fun.
He loved blowing bubbles so as a reward after every
time he followed directions he got to blow bubbles!

4. LOCAL
RESOURCES
• YMCA of Greater
Seattle
• Autism Speaks

5. SOCIAL MEDIA
Awareness and education can be accomplished
through social media
#autismawareness
#autismswimming
#autismswim
#differentnotless

6. STATISTICS
• 1 in 59 children is
diagnosed with an
autism spectrum
disorder (2018)
• 1/3 of people with
autism are non verbal
• Drowning is the
leading cause of death
for children with
autism