2006-06-23 12:05:29 · 5 answers · asked by photoguy1967 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
An autistic child will learn to swim in the same way any other child will learn to swim...
EXCEPT if the autistic child's sensory integration needs include a lack of tolerance for either being wet (tactile), or the sensation of floating (vestibular sense). If the child gets panicked or otherwise resists going into the water, then wait on swimming instruction until you've gotten him/her Occupational Therapy for Sensory Integration.
http://www.sensoryint.com/
2006-06-24 02:11:42 · answer #1 · answered by spedusource 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
HI, Well I wouldn't push it. Most 3 year olds can't swim, with or without a disability. My daughter is six and she can swim but is still uncomfortable in the water. It basically is up to the child when they are ready for swimming, and with a child who is Autistic I would be very careful and maybe gently introduce the child to water with a life vest, while being supervised by an adult. Maybe going to your local YMCA, or a specialized swimming instruction class to allow the child to get use to water. Never leave the child unattended in water. Being that the child has Autism, supervision is always going to be needed when water is involved. Take Care.........
2006-06-23 19:13:48 · answer #2 · answered by brandey28 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because a child is autistic doesn't mean s/he has to be taught differently. What you do need to know is if the skill is within the realm of the child's ability at this time. Does the child have a physical therapist or someone similar? I would ask for their recommendation. If not, the child should qualify for some kind of assistance. That would be my first intervention.
2006-06-23 22:35:27 · answer #3 · answered by wolfmusic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You teach an autistic child to swim just as you would any other child. You will need to be more attentive and more helpful but it can be done. Don't under estimate handicapped people.
2006-06-23 19:10:24 · answer #4 · answered by eyezontheskyz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take the child to the YMCA for a few lessons. Make sure you watch and listen to everything they do and then (if you have a pool at home) do exactly the same thing. Kids (all kids) love repetition and learn from it. Good luck to you and your child!
2006-06-23 19:11:25 · answer #5 · answered by Margie M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋