Why Swimming and Autism Fit Together: How Water Can Become a Sanctuary, a Skill Builder, and a Source of Strength for Autistic Teens

• By: Ronald B. Smith, MBA, PMP
• August 25th, 2026
• aquatic therapy, autism education, autism research, autistic teens, sensory regulation, sports and fitness, swimming, water safety
• 410    0

Brooks is a fictional composite based on experiences described by autistic swimmers and their families. For this thirteen-year-old, the moment he dives into the pool, the world above the surface seems to disappear. The noise, the confusion, the pressure — all replaced by rhythm and calm....

How to Create a Safe and Engaging Sensory Experience at the Pool

• By: Maggie Achenbrener OTD-PP, OTR/M Concordia University Wisconsin Alysha Skuthan, PhD, OTR/L, ASDCS Shenandoah University
• July 12th, 2024
• children, drowning, safety, sensory issues, sensory regulation, Summer 2024 Issue, swimming, treatment
• 3784    0

The pool is a great tool to use to cool down and engage individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over the summer. Not only can water exploration in the pool provide socialization opportunities in a natural environment, but water can meet essential sensory needs as it provides deep pressure...