Swimming and the Autism Spectrum: Answering Three Fundamental Questions

 

Today, someone on the autism spectrum asked me an interesting question: "Is swimming good for autistic people?". The answer initially seemed quite straightforward, but what made me consider my response in more detail was their second question: "What do autistic people do in the swimming pool?". 

Laying down the foundations, I think it is crucial (if not, vital) to emphasise that swimming as a form of exercise is universally beneficial for one's physical and mental health development (Swim England, 2017). 

For autistic individuals, accessing and adapting to the facilities and swimming pool itself may pose a greater issue than ability, something I will draw attention to over the course of this post. 

According to Connor Mollison of Autism Parenting Magazine (2021), "swimming" provides a tranquil and relaxing space for those on the Spectrum to improve their abilities and destress. 

Although the article details the particular advantages of swimming for younger age groups, Mollison himself finds it beneficial as an autistic individual. 

As an autistic woman, I also find swimming peaceful and enjoyable. 

In short, 'autism' should not be 'excluded' from swimming as an activity and setting. 

In fact, swimming introduces a plethora of useful personal and physical competencies to those on the Spectrum, therefore its advantages are indisputable. 

However, this brings me to a third question: "Do autistic people stim in the pool?". 

For those unaware of 'stimming', it is characterised by a diverse range of physical gestures, such as: "hand- flapping", "rocking" and "spinning", which autistic individuals voluntarily and involuntarily perform as coping and relaxation techniques (National Autistic Society - NAS). 

Research appears to mainly focus on ways that instructors can adapt their lessons to include autistic individuals who 'stim' - but I would like to take the pedagogical (teaching) aspect out of the equation and focus on swimming as a general leisure activity. 

Indeed, 'stimming' has a valid place in the swimming pool, but the risks of pool-related fatalities still matter. 

Such tragedies, particularly amongst younger people on the Spectrum, are usually linked to a dangerous combination of limited capacity in the water and negative behavioural responses - namely 'fight-or-flight' - to an unfamiliar surrounding (Thompson, 2017; Tirone, 2019; University of the Sciences, 2014). 

Such sources stress the need for extensive supervision and guidance. As an autism advocate, I feel it imperative to raise awareness of this issue, even at its most basic level.

As someone who has high-functioning autism (Asperger's Syndrome) and stims, performing laps and techniques, such as breaststroke and butterfly, have allowed me to incorporate swimming into exercise and the distinctive environment of the swimming pool. 

Understanding my limitations, in terms of skillset and personal needs, has allowed me to hone in on what I most enjoy doing in the pool and gradually explore new swimming techniques. 

It is vital to mention that I learned to swim as a child, so the adapted teaching style continues to play a central role in my approach to swimming to this day (which Thompson (2017) highlights in his article). 

So, to fully answer the questions posed to me:

1. "Is swimming good for autistic people?"

Definitely! Swimming is good - even highly beneficial - for autistic individuals as a means of exercise and a suitable pastime. 

2. "What do autistic people do in the swimming pool?"

In the swimming pool, autistic people unwind and learn hands-on how to swim. They can discover the sport in a constructive, fun and secure manner at their local swimming pool. 

3. "Do autistic people stim in the pool?"

Some autistic individuals may stim in the pool, and can successfully integrate their stimming actions into the activity of swimming provided that they are physically capable of doing so, and supported if necessary.

Whether yourself or someone (else) on the autism spectrum chooses to swim, I hope you thoroughly enjoy each and every moment and experience the benefits first-hand.

Stay safe and stay positive!

Max de la Fontaine (2021)

Sources:

Mollison, C. (2021) Surprising Benefits of Swimming for Autistic Children. Available at: https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/benefits-swimming-autistic-children/ (Accessed: 15.09.2021)

National Autistic Society (NAS). (no date) Stimming - a guide for all audiences. Available at: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/stimming/all-audiences (Accessed: 15.09.2021)

National Autistic Society (NAS). (no date) Stimming. Available at: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/stimming (Accessed: 15.09.2021)

Swim England (2017) Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Swimming report. Available at: https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/health-and-wellbeing-benefits-of-swimming/ (Accessed: 15.09.2021)

Thompson, D. (2017) Autism Greatly Boosts Risk of Drowning. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20170321/autism-greatly-boosts-kids-injury-risk-especially-for-drowning (Accessed: 15.09.2021)

Tirone, S. (2019) How to Protect Your ASD Child From Drowning. Available at: https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/protect-your-child-from-drowning/ (Accessed: 15.09.2021)

University of the Sciences. (2014) Drowning remains a top cause of death for children with autism. Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140708121527.htm (Accessed: 15.09.2021)