"You don't teach a fish to climb a tree''
Swimming in the early years can be a successful early childhood intervention. Many children with autism or asperger’s syndrome have difficulty developing motor skills, particularly in the early years. Children with autism experience more success in attaining movement skills in the water, than on land. The weightlessness of the water allows autistic children to experience various aquatic movements and as a result, enjoyment and satisfaction from achieving success. Parents also become overjoyed to see their children demonstrate movement skills that were previously thought as ‘impossible’ for their children.
The buoyancy of the water reduces the effects of gravity, poor balance and poor postural control. This allows the child to experience a much greater range of movement that can strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, improve respiratory function and help with general gross motor improvement.
But do they think they are doing all this?….no, it's just playtime in the water!
