Children with special needs should be taught to swim.
Water is a particular hazard for children with special needs.The leading cause of death for children with the condition was drowned.Swimming is an enjoyable and even therapeutic activity for children with special needs.Some parents are able to teach their children to swim in shallow areas, but others would prefer help from a professional.Consider looking for a swim instructor with experience with children with disabilities.
Step 1: Talk about swimming with the child.
Talk to them about learning how to swim and what to expect at their swimming lesson using a social story.Social stories are a great way to get your child used to swimming lessons.You can find books at the library that can be adapted to your child's situation, or you can write your own.Including the days and times the child will be participating in swim lessons, where those lessons will take place, how they'll get there and back home again, and what will happen at the lessons should be included.Your story might start with "My name is Andy."I take swimming lessons at the YMCA on Saturdays.My mom drives me to the YMCA.The person is at the desk.I change into my wetsuit in the locker room.My mom keeps my things for me when I go to the pool.I meet my instructor at the pool.I stood beside the pool until my instructor told me I could get into the water.Before the lessons begin, read the story with the child and answer any questions they have about the process.You may want to include some of those answers in the story.
Step 2: There are photos and videos of people swimming.
Continue the process of getting your child used to the idea of swimming lessons by taking pictures.Nonspeaking children can benefit from photos and videos.It is possible to take pictures at the pool where the child will be taking swimming lessons.Take pictures of the locker, changing rooms, showers, and the pool where the child will need to go during their lesson.
Step 3: You can take the child to the pool.
If a child is given the chance to become familiar with a place without any expectations, they will do better in a new environment.It's a good idea to introduce your child to the location where swim lessons will take place.Do you want to look around or play in the water?The number of visits depends on the child.If you've taken your child to a new place before, you should have a general idea.If you just go to the first lesson a few minutes early, some kids will be fine.Some kids need more than one visit before they can participate in the swimming lessons.If the child is having a hard time adjusting, reward them with a sweet treat or a toy after they visit the pool to make them feel better.
Step 4: Let them watch swimming.
Having the chance to watch a swimming class in progress before they start is a benefit to many children with special needs.Let the pool or swimming club know that you will be taking your child to observe lessons.Your child can learn more about what will happen when they meet their instructor.When the teacher is giving instructions, point out the activities the children are doing.You can point out how to walk around the pool deck and enter and exit the water if you use this opportunity.
Step 5: The child can play in the pool.
Before teaching a child to swim, have fun in the water.It's important for the child to see you in the pool so that they can enjoy it.Bring a few toys and talk about things the child likes to do to relax and enjoy themselves.Exposure to water will help the child get used to it.Give them the chance to play with you.Depending on the kid's mood and personality, they might need some time to play alone and stim with the water to help them feel comfortable.The child can choose whether or not to use the pool toys.
Step 6: It's a good idea to remove unnecessary noises.
There is a lot of noise in indoor pools.One way to help is to have private lessons in an empty pool.Many swimming instructors use whistles and communicate with students in loud voices, which can be intimidating or even physically painful for a child with special needs.If your child is sensitive to sound, make sure you let the swim instructors know in advance so they can accommodate.The instructor who refuses to accommodate the child should not be teaching.The child might have a bad experience if they are impatient and insensitive in other areas.Look for a better instructor.
Step 7: If the swimsuits are uncomfortable for the child, try out a wetsuit.
Many children with special needs are more comfortable in the water when wearing a wetsuit.The wetsuits make the child feel more secure.The child might feel more comfortable wearing wetsuits if they are less likely to ride up.Normal swimming activities don't require high-tech wetsuits.They can be purchased at a local discount chain store.Allow the child to wear the wetsuit around the house for a while before starting swimming lessons to help them get used to it.
Step 8: Adhere to rules and policies.
Some pools or swim clubs may require certain attire or gear for swimming lessons that are not comfortable for the child.The child should be allowed to try the gear before asking for an exemption.They might be okay with it.You could say, "I understand that you require all students to wear goggles."Although my daughter has been introduced to goggles, she finds them painful and sometimes throws them away because of her emotional reaction.If you allowed my daughter to participate without goggles, I would appreciate it.If your child rejects the gear, request an exemption.If the pool or swim club won't make an exception for your child, you may need to take swim lessons elsewhere.
Step 9: The instructor should be able to adapt techniques to accommodate the needs of the students.
As the instructor teaches various strokes and swimming techniques to the class, there may be some things that your child has difficulty with because of their sensory issues.If the child is doing well with most techniques but struggles with one, it may be that the technique is too uncomfortable or that it's a motor skill issue.Ask why it's hard for them.Many children with special needs have a hard time putting their head under water.doggy paddling is better than nothing because it is less efficient than other swimming strokes.If you break it into steps, it might help.If the child is nervous about putting their head underwater, they could try and put their chin, mouth, nose, and head under the water.If it's not working, don't force it.The child should know how to float on their back.Everything else is optional.
Step 10: Allow the child to deal with their grief.
In order to cope with sensory overload or to calm themselves when they are feeling anxious, some children on the spectrum spin in place, flap their hands, or make other repetitive movements.This makes them feel comfortable.Stimming in the pool can help the child relax.In the swimming environment, the instructor should not discourage the child from stimming.Allow your child to take one or more of the items that they use to the pool with them if they are waterproof.These items can be comforting to your child.Your child is participating in the class.Encourage your child to leave the pool until they calm down.Adult family members may need permission to be in the pool with a child if the child is prone to dramatic eruptions.
Step 11: A quiet room is a must for a child to take a break.
If the child needs to be alone, make sure there's a place at the facility where they can go.It doesn't have to be an entire room, but it does need an area where other people are not allowed to intrude.It is possible to bring a favorite toy or blanket to swim lessons so the child can have it during a break.Make sure the child knows how to get to their safe place from the pool.
Step 12: Each lesson will have a routine.
The warm-up and cool-down routine should be included in each lesson.Splashing water, kicking on the step, or blowing bubbles are examples of simple routines that should be the same for every lesson.A routine will help calm the child's nerves.Many swimming programs for children with special needs include routines like starting and ending each lesson with a song.If the program doesn't include a routine like this, you can create one for your child by doing specific things before and after each lesson.
Step 13: You can connect with the child's special interests.
People on the spectrum are very passionate about a topic.The most important technique the instructor can use to capture and hold their attention is using a child's interests.Let the child's instructor know about their special interests so they can integrate them into the lessons.If the child's special interests have nothing to do with water or swimming, the instructor can still connect with them by mentioning them.A parent might say to the child's swimming instructor, "If you want to engage my child, ask her to tell you about castles."
Step 14: The correct technique to demonstrate is shown.
It is a good idea to avoid the "right way versus wrong way" teaching technique.One of the characteristics of a child with the condition is that they pick up a lot of details, and sometimes struggle to sort them from the relevant ones.Instructors teach their students how to swim by saying "do this" and "don't do this".This can make them confused.If the child is a visual thinker, they should be allowed to see it from several angles.The child can see it from the front, side, or behind.
Step 15: It is necessary to provide clear and straightforward instructions.
A moderate tone of voice is what the instructor should speak in.Explain to the instructor that shouting can cause confusion for your child.Swimming instructions should be straightforward and easy to understand.Several different steps are involved in strokes.If the stroke is broken down into parts and the child has the chance to practice each part separately, it may be helpful to them.For example, it might be helpful for the child to practice the stroke with each arm individually, then practice kicks while holding onto the side of the pool, and combining the motions to move across the water.
Step 16: Use visual clues.
The visually-impaired children are able to catch all the useful information.Many children with special needs will benefit from seeing rules, techniques, and expectations in a picture.An action figure with arms and legs can help demonstrate a stroke.The action figure can be moved to replicate a stroke, giving your child a three-dimensional visual image of what they should do.Allowing the child to manipulate the action figure makes it easier for them to understand what they're expected to do.
Step 17: Progress and achievement can be recognized.
When they've met expectations, they need to be told.They're encouraged to continue even if the smallest progress is rewarded.A positive experience full of praise and fun is what you should try to create.The child will win something special once they learn to swim.Instructors should praise the child when they do well.A reward system can be set up by parents, such as telling the child that they'll get a new toy after learning to doggy paddle.It's a good idea to be cautious about overdoing rewards.If the child is stressed out or uncomfortable, offering too frequent rewards for little steps may make them want to please you even more.You're not controlling them.The focus should be on completion, not mood or behavior.Kids need to cry, take breaks, or show you that they're stressed.You want a child who is assertive.