The following information and resources have been provided courtesy of The Lurie Center for Autism, a program of Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General for Children.

The Lurie Center for Autism is committed to advancing treatments for and knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders, and translating these discoveries into exceptional clinical care. A program of Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General for Children, The Lurie Center is a multidisciplinary treatment, research, training, and advocacy organization dedicated to supporting individuals and their families across the lifespan.

This resource is intended to provide information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treat any medical conditions.

Water safety for children with Autism

The challenges

• Children with ASD are 160 times more likely to drown than other children.
• In 2009, 2010, and 2011, accidental drowning accounted for 91% total U.S. deaths reported in children with an ASD aged 14 and younger due to wandering/elopement.
• 32% of parents reported a "close call" with a possible drowning.

Autism360 Water Safety Guide

This online water safety guide provides important information including social stories and visual safety stickers to teach about water-related safety. View here

Think about:

• Showing your child videos of children learning to swim,
• A tour in and around the swimming pool/facility,
• Specific transitional/assistive objects to be used in the water.

Resources

Click on any of the links below to learn more.

• YMCA Locations That Offer Special Needs Swimming Instruction
• Adaptive Swim Program at Worcester Fitness Swim Academy
• Swim Angelfish: Adaptive Swim
• Adapted Aquatics with JCC Greater Boston
• Special Needs Swim Events in MA

The Lurie Center does not endorse any single resource and encourages you to explore all the information contained in this resource.