Would I be mad to sign DS1 up to a swimming course?

[staryeyed]

DS1 is 5 ASD, non verbal and limited understanding. He loves going swimming and swims weekly at school and sometimes on weekends. I would love for him to learn to swim but I'm not sure if I should sign him up now 1:1 sessions or wait. Can swimming coaches teach children like DS1?

My DS, dx ASD and is 5 has been attending swimming classes for 18 months now. Intially I started him in 1:1 sessions and after his first term moved him into main stream class with agreement of swim club. The maximum group number was 1:4 which helped and the sessions were held on school grounds ( less distraction).

DS (4.4, dx ASD) loves the pool and uses armbands. He has a good kick, but does not really move his arms (probably because of the armbands) and does not like to get his face in the water. Do you guys think swimming lessons 1:1 would work? I have heard that there are ASD-specific classes in north London, I'm sure there are more elsewhere.
In the specific case of OP, how are your DS's copying skills, or will he follow movements if you make them for him in the first place iyswim? What holds me back in the case of my DS is that he's coming along at following instructions, but his copying/imitation skills where movement is concerned are very basic still

My DS is 5 and on the autistic spectrum, he started off with 1:1 lessons and instructor then encouraged me to try him in her small group lessons (it was a quarter of the price and she said it would be more fun and less pressure for DS) and he is coming along slowly but surely.

I didn't know it when we signed p but by luck his swimming tutor also works as a direct payments carer with people of all ages and disabilities and she is fab ith DS. Search for small classes or 1:1 lessons and also ask around for recommendations. The main thing for DS was a quiet pool and a tutor who 'got him'.

we are in north london. I have searched and found a place that does SN lessons adn someone from Mn recommended a lady that sounds good. I have to still phone up.

His imitation skills are not great tbh. He has just really learned to pedal a bike and now a bit of steering which we are very proud of

Hi I live in Herts, where is the place in North London? My ds is 5 and loves swimming but am struggling to find something suitable for him. Many thanks

hang on let me link...

we got 1:1 lessons for dd1, as we were sure she wouldn't follow stuff in a group

we just booked with the instructor at our health club (checked he was ok with SN first - he didn't have any particular experience, but was happy to try)

dd1 did really well 0-it brought her confidence on brilliantly.

she still can't swim though

she is a lot safer in water, however, and is reasonably safe and competent with just a noodle float wrapped around her, so it did her the world of good (she was water phobic)

here:

www.uk-aos.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=20

also there are SN swimming clubs in Enfield;

Halliwicks penguin swimming club - southgate leisure centre

Seekers Swimming club- Albany leisure centre

Venture Swimming club for disabled- Albany pool(I think this one is for autism)

Thanks, that pool is 10mins away from me... will give them a call.
Thanks again

Just thought I'd put in a word for Anaconda swimming lessons in Islington as there's a few north Londoners here. DS has been going for the past few years and has had small group lessons which have really helped him.

They don't have an official SN provision but we were lucky to get a fab teacher called Alan - I have no idea if he has any SN training or if he's just naturally patient and calm! DS had some bad experiences in the past due to bigger groups/stern teachers but he really thrived in those classes.

DS is going into residential school soon so he can't go to the local club, but hopefully will be able to continue at his new school.

Aspire based at Royal National Orthapedic hospital do swimming for special needs including asd but have a very long wiating list.