It’s just not summer without a dip in the pool or lake. But for many children and teens with autism, the idea of swimming is either too frightening for them-or for their parents.

Like your friendly neighborhood lifeguard, JCC Chicago is here to help. Last year, the agency recognized the community’s need for a water safety and swim-training program for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. So they created one, and called it by the inclusive name “All-In Swim.” JUF dove in, too, supporting the program with a grant from its JUF Breakthrough Fund.

Following intensive staff training and a pilot session in late 2015, All-In Swim now has more than 30 participants. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, and reinforced both the need for such programming-and JCC Chicago’s ability to fill the service gap.

“I wanted to let you know how pleased we are with-the All-In Swim program,” said the mother of one budding swimmer. “We cannot believe Matthew went under (water) during his first class. He doesn’t even like to get his hair washed! Matt cannot stop talking about how he
went swimming.”

It is estimated that Autism Spectrum Disorder affects one out of every 68 children in the United States, a figure that has increased by 30 percent just since 2012, according to the National Autism Association.

Learning to swim can be a life-saving skill. Drowning is among the leading causes of death for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, in part due to their heightened tendency to wander. In fact, the National Autism Association has reported that in 2009, 2010, and 2011, accidental drowning accounted for 91 percent of the total U.S. deaths reported in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ages 14 and younger, after wandering off.

“These unsettling statistics demonstrate the critical importance of providing water safety education and learn-to-swim instruction for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” noted Kirsten Conner, director of JCC’s Aquatic Services. “In Chicago and surrounding communities where many families live in close proximity to Lake Michigan, this risk is even greater.”

“The majority of our All-In Swim students are enrolled in private lessons,” Conner said. “When we feel a swimmer is ‘water safe’ and would be successful in a group lesson environment, we then work to transfer them in to a small group lesson, with a 2:1 ratio, with another swimmer who has also taken All-In Swim lessons or with a typically developing peer. Our third step would transition our All-In Swim swimmers into a group lesson with a 4:1 ratio depending on each swimmer’s skills and age.”

“Understanding the unique needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special abilities is the first step to realizing the full potential of All-In Swim,” said JCC Vice President Addie Goodman. “The addition of a physical activity such as swimming to an autism intervention program can help mitigate challenges, decrease negative behaviors, and improve the child’s overall quality of life.”

All-In Swim is offered at four JCC Chicago locations across the Chicago metropolitan area at various times. Families can register for a free 30-minute evaluation, and scholarship funds are available through support from Autism Speaks. For more information, contact Kirsten Conner, Director, Aquatic Services at (224) 406- 9224 or [email protected].