Texas Swim Academy Announces New Swim Program for Swimmers with Autism

HOUSTON - May 2, 2013 - PRLog -- Today the Texas Swim Academy announced a new swim program catering to the unique learning needs of children with autism. The program teaches life saving skills and water safety.

“Drowning is the leading cause of death for children and adults on the autism spectrum,” said Kathleen McMordie, owner and swimming instructor at Texas Swim Academy.”Most autistic children have a natural affinity with water but lack an understanding of the dangers it presents. So basic water safety and life saving skills are imperative.”

Multiple Benefits

While this is a new program at Texas Swim Academy, parents of participants are already reporting the benefits. Rohini Bal recently enrolled her 4 ½ year old son after a year of unsuccessful instruction at another school, and is already seeing results. “[My son] loves the water in every sense of the word and enjoys interacting with it,” she said in a recent interview. “It excites and calms him at the same time. I knew he really enjoyed swimming and was looking around for an appropriate place which would understand his needs and teach him how to swim.” Today Ms. Bal couldn’t be happier with the program’s success. “My son has learned not only basic survival techniques but also how to swim. Something he did not learn in over a year of instruction at another swim club.”

The New Swim Program Availability

The New Swim Program came as result of Kathleen’s participation in an extensive training event in California with leading experts on autism and swimming instruction. Texas Swim Academy had already offered a program for children with special needs, but Kathleen felt that lessons specific to children with autism were needed. “Children on the spectrum have unique learning patterns that must be catered to for swim instruction to be successful. Our instructors understand these learning patterns and how to adapt their lessons to create a calm and enjoyable learning environment.” The New Swim Program is available for children of all ages and abilities, and is adapted by child to suit all ranges on the autism spectrum. Registration details can be found on the academy’s website, www.TexasSwimAcademy.com.