Did you know that drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children with autism?
As the prevalence of autism reaches unprecedented levels, it’s never been more important to understand the needs of those impacted by autism and ensure that essential services are available. During April 2023, which is Autism Acceptance Month, we invite you to help us raise awareness about water safety to combat drowning among those with autism.
Research shows that:
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Children with autism are drawn to water.
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Children with autism learn to swim differently than neurotypical peers.
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Traditional swim classes do not recognize these differences, so they’re often ineffective for children on the spectrum.
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We are in the midst of a national swim instructor shortage due to Covid.
Our school is a leader in drowning prevention efforts. We have designed, tested and deployed a highly effective swim program specifically for children with autism. This program is included in our curriculum for all students and our young adult clients. In fact, our program was shared as a model at the 30th Annual Statewide Autism Conference for educators and parents in 2023. This program is groundbreaking and essential, yet it is not funded by the public school program.
This Autism Acceptance Month, please join our efforts to prevent drowning for children with autism by helping us raise funds for this important program. Be part of our campaign here!
This month, our students and their families are helping raise funds for this essential program. At the end of the month, they'll compete in a fun Aquatic Obstacle Course that demonstrates the important swim skills they've learned!
👉 See 6 Tips to Help Draw the Line on Drowning
Give by May 5, 2023, and your gift with be matched 2x by a generous, anonymous donor who feels strongly that students and young adults with autism should have access to effective swim lessons. Give today!
