The Letter
I wrote to Jim about one of my swim lesson students with Asperger Syndrome. I'd love to share with you some specific information about my student and ask your advice on how to structure his swim lessons:Background
The swimmer is 6 years old and received a lot of attention (related to his syndrome) because his mother is an occupational therapist. He likes numbers a lot, and his favorite cartoon is Sponge Bob. He can swim already, though in his own way. He likes to go deep into the water, to the deepest spot in the pool that I am teaching, which is about 4 ft. Maybe to avoid the sounds? I worked hard to get him to stay on the surface of the water. I even have a toy crocodile to demonstrate. His lung capacity is also very, very good, and he likes to dive for sticks. You'll be amazed at just how long he stays under water without coming up for breath. He plays in the water, just like a little dolphin, and is very fond of water.
His parents would like to see him learn to swim the formal strokes (Freestyle to start with). That is their goal.
Observations and Some Things Tried
When I first met him, I immediately picked up his short attention span. With other children I will keep the lesson time interesting & fun, with a variety of different exercises. But this can actually be a problem because I find that when I change too sudden, he doesn't like it.
He also hates being on his back. Through the years I found different methods of getting children to like being on their back, but he just hates it. Is there an explanation for that?
He started to move his arms nicely as well as good kicking. Yet, as I progress, it gets harder (for both of us).
I do other things too to help make him stronger and develop better balance: like climbing onto a mat, climbing out of the pool, etc. But he feels cold very quickly, and then he puts his foot down squarely!!
Sometimes I feel the learning process has reached a plateau - and I'm unsure as how to go further. I have used the laminated cards too - that helps. But the learning process seems to be so slow!!
On the Positive Side
He is definitely enjoying his swimming!! He is a pleasure to work with, and though he takes up lots of energy, I thoroughly enjoy working with him. It is my desire to help special needs children - because I just know that they enjoy the water too.
Well, any input is appreciated. Thank you for your help!
- Questions on Teaching a Swimmer with Autism
- Tips for Teaching a Swimmer with Autism
- Learn to Swim Plateaus
