The Crisis of Drowning in Kids with Autism

Children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown, are drawn to water, have a very high tendency to wander and are drowning at an alarming rate this year. Drowning is preventable, but families need information. They need access to door alarms, swim lessons, CPR classes, and pediatricians and other professionals who can educate them about the SIGNIFICANT connection between wandering and drowning.

We can't overstress the need to secure multiple layers of protection.

Drowning Prevention

Drowning is the #1 cause of death in autism and Florida leads the way in child drownings resulting in death. Kids with ASD are 160 times more likely to experience nonfatal and fatal drowning than their neurotypical peers.

Drowning is silent and takes as little as two inches of water and less than 30 seconds.

The Autism Society of Florida provides training to swim instructors on how to teach kids and adults with autism to swim, advocates legislatively for drowning prevention initiatives, and provides grants to programs that support people with autism.

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ASF is a Member of Drowning Prevention Task Forces in Florida

• Water Smart Florida

• Broward County Drowning Prevention Task Force

• Central Florida Water Safety Task Force

• Team of Excellence (TOE) Drowning Prevention Task Force

• State Health Improvement Plan Committee

•. National Water Safety Action Plan Task Force

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TIPS FOR PARENTS

Click on image below to print flyer

(front and back)

TIPS FOR SWIM INSTRUCTORS

Click on image below to print flyer

(front and back)

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Statistics

Florida has the highest number of child drownings in the United States.
In 2023, there were 99 fatal drownings, in 2022 there were 94 & in 2021, 99.
Nearly all fatal drownings are a result of wandering, eloping, or missing from a caregiver – all factors that impact autism every day.
According to the Dept of Health and CDC, most children who drown are 4 and under (70-90%) The CDC average age of ASD diagnosis is age 4.5. Strong likelihood that the number of young children who drown are children who would have been later diagnosed with an ASD since kids with autism have a tendency to elope or wander, have little regard for safety and are naturally attracted to the water.
Children with an ASD are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers.
50% of children with autism wander – nearly all gravitate towards water.
70-80% of childhood drowning occurs in the backyard swimming pool.
32% of parents of kids with ASD report that they have had a “close call” of drowning for their child.
A parent who has never learned to swim yields an 87% chance that their child won’t.

Keeping Your Children Safe

Swim lessons are a must. Contact local pools,

YMCAs, and CARD (Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities) for information on where to find swimming lessons in your area.

Start with sensory integration. Ease your child into a water experience, don’t rush it. Allow them to put their feet in from the side of the pool, hang out on the steps, gradually move into deeper waters while you spend countless hours in the pool yourself so that you can be part of the process to their comfort and success.

Seek out a pool that matches your child’s learning style. If your child is easily distracted by others, sign them up for a class during an off-time when there won’t be many other swimmers in the pool. When there are others in the pool, turn their body away from the others to reduce visual stimulation. None of us learn best when we’re distracted.

Engage before swimming lessons begin. Take your child for a tour of the pool where they’ll be taking lessons. This will give them a chance to get used to the sights, smells, and sounds that they’ll be experiencing as part of this process.

Create visuals of the steps to be expected in the pool, and instructions on swimming. Be sure to laminate these so that they can be brought into the water. Video modeling is a fabulous way to present an introduction to swimming. If you can’t find one, create one with your smartphone, using a sibling or friend as your “actor”.

Be consistent in the instruction. Review previously taught skills at every lesson to ensure maintenance.

Create water rules. Kids and adults with autism tend to like rules since they give them clearly defined boundaries and expectations.

These can include:

NEVER swim without an adult with you
ALWAYS tell an adult where you are going
No diving
No swimming alone

Take steps to prevent wandering. Place alarms on doors, always be sure to lock access points around pools, and place “Stop” signs on all doors and windows leading to the outside.

Consider a locating device. Check with your local police department to find out which ones are active in your area.

Alert Your Neighbors. Spend time introducing your child to those who live in your neighborhood. Knowing your neighbors can help reduce the risks associated with wandering and reduce the need for emergency professionals.

Visit Local Authorities. Set up a visit to the police department during a NON-EMERGENCY time so that your child will get to meet those who serve and protect AND give the officers the opportunity to learn about autism and ways that they can help prevent tragedy.

Swimming Lesson Social Story

For many children with autism, experiencing something new can be extremely stressful. Social stories are quite often an incredible resource to help divert initial fears. This social story will help as your child begins their first day of swimming lessons. Download it and add your own personal information.

Downloadable Social Story

We are EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE info on the Swimming Lesson Voucher Program funded by the Florida Department of Health (DOH).

This voucher will provide FREE swimming lessons to eligible Florida families for children ages 4 and younger with an income 200% of the federal poverty guidelines OR child’s Medicaid # must be provided when applying. Yes, the age limit is low; however, due to the limited funding, this was the decision at this time. The Autism Society of Florida will be pursuing more in 2025.
To learn more and to register, visit https://www.watersmartfl.com/ for more details.

Staying Safe Near Water Social Story

The Autism Society of America teamed up with HollyRod Foundation to develop a companion to Charlie Makes a Splash, a children’s book describing the solace and empowerment aquatic environments bring to many individuals with autism. Included in this pack are water safety checklists for caregivers and individuals with autism.

Swim Schools with Autism Experience

The following list of swim schools are recommended by parents of kids with autism. The Autism Society of Florida does not have first-hand experience with them, and it’s important to note that what works for one child may not work for another. But, if you’re looking for a swim instructor, one of the following might be just what you’re looking for.

Let Us Swim/Diversified Swimming

Sadkin Community Center

https://www.letusswimlessons.com

Lauderhill

British Swim School in Miami

https://britishswimschool.com

Miami

Early Learning Swim Academy

https://earlylearningswim.com

Cocoa Florida

Movement Works by Coach Claudia /Miami

http://www.movementworksbycoachclaudia.com