New approach to water safety for kids with autism

Children with autism are drawn to the sparkle, sound and soothing feel of water. They also have a tendency to wander off. This combination can end in tragedy.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in autism — and children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers.

Occupational therapists like Tana Carson help kids with disabilities develop everyday skills — from handwriting to riding a bike. But they aren’t trained to teach what may be the most lifesaving skill of all: swimming. To address this gap, Carson created an evidence-based program that prepares graduate students — future physical, occupational and recreational therapists — to teach swimming and water safety to children with autism.

Unlike traditional group classes, which can overwhelm and frustrate kids with sensory sensitivities and different learning styles, Carson’s approach offers individualized, one-on-one instruction. There’s lots of visual learning like flashcards showing step-by-step how to float or blow bubbles.

In partnership with the YMCA of South Florida’s Swim Buddies program, Carson and FIU recreational therapist Tania Santiago Perez are now leading a pilot study to track the children’s skills over time. They hope to expand the curriculum to universities nationwide. The ultimate goal is to help families everywhere to safely enjoy a day at the pool or beach.