YMCA, Autism Delaware team up for specialized swim program

Autism Delaware is collaborating with the YMCA of Delaware to offer a water safety program to children and adults with autism spectrum disorder. The program, called SWAM, is based on the Swimming With Autism curriculum developed by the Autism Society of San Diego, Calif.

Autism Delaware is providing training to the YMCAs at no cost and in exchange, the YMCA will provide at least two SWAM sessions in 2019. Currently, the program is underway at the Brandywine Y, and the downtown Wilmington and Sussex Ys will launch the program this summer.

Knowledge of water safety is critical for individuals with autism, because they tend to be drawn to water due to its sensory nature. “When a child goes into the water, it can neurally reset them. If they go under, don’t expect them to necessarily come up,” said Jess Hart, who is training the YMCA aquatic instructors.

People with autism tend to wander or bolt (known as “eloping”) and face a huge risk if they come near water. According to the National Autism Association, drowning accounts for approximately 90 percent of deaths associated with wandering by children with ASD under the age of 14.

Teaching water safety to people with autism carries its own set of special considerations. “Swim instructors need to be aware of sensory issues,” said Annalisa Ekbladh, director of policy and family services at Autism Delaware. “They may be more sensitive to the water and to the noise around them. Cognitive processing speed is another issue, as they may process information differently.”

“At the Y, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim,” said Deborah Bagatta-Bowles, YMCA of Delaware president and CEO. “We save lives every day with our drowning prevention initiatives, teaching important water safety skills to children and adults of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. We are pleased that our partnership with Autism Delaware will allow us to expand our services to people with autism, helping to put parents’ minds at ease and teach children how to be confident and have fun in the water safely.”

During their training, the Y aquatics staff are able to work directly with children on the spectrum. Autism Delaware has contacted several of the parents it serves, and invited them and their children to participate. The parents are present during the one-day session so they can observe any issues their children face when they go into the water.

Parents at the Brandywine Y applaud the decision to expand SWAM. Melissa Stansell says her 13-year old son, Ryan, is now ready to take his survival and recreational swimming to a competitive level. “Ryan has always loved the water,” said Stansell, “and with the patience and perseverance of the instructors, he is more able to participate fully with his peers, giving him more opportunity for inclusion. Kudos and thanks to Autism Delaware and the Y for this amazing program!”

“We ran a small swimming program over several summers that limited the number of people it could accommodate,” said Brian Hall, Autism Delaware executive director. “Through this collaboration with the YMCA on the SWAM program, we are now providing safe, inclusive, recreational swimming opportunities throughout the year. This is the kind of opportunity that helps build community acceptance.”

Parents and caregivers who would like to enroll a loved one in a SWAM program should contact the aquatics department at their local YMCA. To reach the Sussex Family YMCA in Rehoboth Beach, call 302-296-9622.