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Swimming

Swimming and water play are excellent recreational activities for children, offering both physical and emotional benefits 5. These activities can be especially therapeutic and enjoyable for children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD 4, 1.

Development Skills

Coordination

Cognitive Skills

Social Development

Benefit

Risk

Swimming does have some risk for all kids. These can include:

  • Risk of slips, falls, or minor injuries around wet areas 9.
  • Water-borne illnesses from improperly maintained pools 6.
  • Sunburn or hypothermia from extended exposure without protection 8.
  • Ear infections or skin irritations from prolonged wetness 6.
  • Drowning risk if left unsupervised or without proper instruction 6,7.

Strategies for Successful Participation
General Strategies for All Children

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There are many strategies that parents and caregivers can use to support swimming for all kids:
  • Enroll in swimming lessons taught by certified     instructors 10
  • Use flotation devices when appropriate, especially for     beginners 10
  • Constant adult supervision around water, even shallow     pools 11.
  • Teach children about pool rules and safe water     behaviors early 10.
  • Practice emergency skills such as floating, treading     water, and calling for help 11.
  • Reinforce lessons through regular practice and positive     feedback 13.
There are also helpful actions that parents/caregivers can take to support learning to swim for autistic children:
  • Look for instructors trained to work with neurodiverse learners 10.
  • Use visual schedules or picture cards to outline the lesson sequence 13.
  • Pair swimming with a preferred activity or toy to establish trust 11.
  • Use "most-to-least" prompting (physical to verbal) for teaching safety steps 13.
  • Keep instructions short, clear, and visual when possible 11.
  • Reinforce progress with individualized motivators or rewards11.
  • Modify lessons using behavior supports, visual aids, andone-on-one instruction when needed 12.

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Additional Resources

iCan Bike – Kelowna:

iCan Bike is a program offered through iCan Shine that teaches individuals with disabilities how to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle using adapted equipment, trained professionals, and volunteers. The program typically runs in Kelowna during summer in collaboration with local organizations. For more information visit

https://icanshine.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/iCan-Bike.png
Canucks Autism Network

Canucks Autism Network – Outdoor Active Program The Outdoor Active Program by the Canucks Autism Network offers inclusive outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and paddling for autistic youth aged13 and up. Delivered in partnership with CRIS Adaptive Adventures, this program encourages physical activity and social connection in nature.

https://canucksautism.ca/programs/
City of Kelowna – Adaptive Recreation Programs 

City of Kelowna – Adaptive Recreation Programs The City of Kelowna offers a variety of adaptive programs for individuals of all abilities. These include accessible cycling, swimming, and fitness opportunities, as well as an Access Pass for discounted access to programs and facilities..

https://autismokanagan.ca/hockey

References

[1] Fragala-Pinkham, M. A., Ball, A. L., & Jeffries, L. M. (2021). Efficacy of Lower Extremity Cycling Interventions for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 41(4), 410–428. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2020.1862384

[2] Hauck, J., Jeong, I., Esposito,P., Macdonald, M., Hornyak, J., Argento, A., & Ulrich, D. A. (2017).Benefits of Learning to Ride a Two-Wheeled Bicycle for Adolescents with downSyndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Palaestra, 31(2), 35–41.

[3] Hawks, Z., Constantino, J. N.,Weichselbaum, C., & Marrus, N. (2020). Accelerating Motor Skill Acquisitionfor Bicycle Riding in Children with ASD: A Pilot Study. Journal of Autism& Developmental Disorders, 50(1), 342–348. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04224-5

[4] MacDonald, M., Lord, C., & Ulrich, D. (2013). The relationship of motor skills and adaptive behavior skills in young children with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 7(11), 1383-1390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2013.07.020

[5] Mandich, A. D., et al. (2003). Understanding Participation of Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. Human Movement Science, 22, 583–595.

[6] Merce, J., et al. (2021). Inclusion through Bicycles: Experiences of Families of Children with Disabilities. Sport in Society, 24(4), 697–711. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2019.1703699

[7] National Library of Medicine (2022). Bicycling Benefits for Children with Autism. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9406935/

[8] Ringenbach, S. D. R., et al. (2015). Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) Improves Self-Control in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 40(4), 376–387.

[9] Shim, A. L., Peterson, S., & Turbes, J. (2016). Incorporating a pedal-less bicycle curriculum into a K-5th grade after-school program to improve stability for ASD children: Editor: Ferman konukman. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 87(3), 52-54. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2016.1131555

[10] Stewart, O., Vernez Moudon, A., & Claybrooke, C. (2012). Common ground: Eight factors that influence walking and biking to school. Transport Policy, 24, 240-248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2012.06.016

[11] Thompson, M. J., & Rivara, F. P. (2001). Bicycle-Related Injuries. American Family Physician, 63(10).

[12] Temple, V. A., et al. (2016). Peer-Mediated Exercise Program for Youth with Intellectual Disability. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29(6), 571–582.

[13] Tse, A. C. Y., et al. (2021). Improving Executive Function of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder through Cycling Skill Acquisition. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 53(7), 1417–1424

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