Drowning is the leading cause of accidental deaths in children with autism. It is estimated that 91% of all deaths for children with ASD between 2009-2011 were accidental drownings. That alone is a major reason to get one's autistic child into swim lessons. There are many more benefits to having one's autistic child participate in swim lessons. Keep reading for 4 big reasons to get your child in swim class. 

The following are from the Swim Whisperers swim program, a swim lesson program with lessons that are specifically designed to help overcome the roadblocks in teaching children with Autism, sensory and motor coordination issues how to become safe independent swimmers.

2. Water Soothes Comforts

Any physical activity in water can help relax muscles and decrease stress. Water reduces body weight and therefore decreases the stress and impact on the body — which is great for children who sometimes feel like their own body is too much to handle. Water provides a safe environment for children to learn how to regulate the force their body exerts when playing or working. The comforting hydrostatic pressure of the water relaxes them while they play. Many children are able to tolerate touch better after aquatic therapy.

3. Group Swimming Promotes Better Social Skills

Group swimming sessions can help children greatly with developing social skills. Giving children the opportunity to engage with their instructor as well as other children in their class lets them learn how to share toys and participate in cooperative and competitive play. Swimming can be a public activity and many people can participate, which will help autistic children become more comfortable with social situations and other people. This will build their self-confidence and help them with interpersonal relationships.

3. Learning to Swim Improves… Learning!

Swimming and swimming lessons can help improve children’s attention span, concentration, impulse control, and ability to follow directions. It requires lots of energy and can decrease hyperactivity, which will help children to concentrate on tasks afterwards. And if you think the list ends there, listen up! Swimming can even help children who have autism with speech. Blowing bubbles in the water and learning to regulate their breath can improve oral articulation.