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Swim lessons Posted By: frogfoot1969
Posted On: 07/23/2008
Today was our first day of swim lessons. It was a class of four students. When we walked in I noticed none of the other parents had on their suits and the children where nicely lined up sitting on the edge of the pool. I told the instructor I had to get in with him because he has Autism. Well he didn't understand the whole concept of Swim class, he just wanted to swim. It was an indoor pool so sound ECHOS very loudly. The instructor worked with each child one at a time so he had to wait his turn, ugh. He did well when it was his turn but in between was a nightmare for me. He was pulling my hair, kicking me, and screaming. I felt badly for the people having to listen to this and they probably thought I should have removed him but I thought to myself " I paid for these lessons and we are staying". He did calm down and participate some, he even blew his first water bubbles, yeah! But my spirit is a little crushed and I am worn out. Wish me luck for Thursdays class.
Tags:  swim class
       
ADifferentDrummer wrote this reply on 07/23/2008
Just keep saying to yourself "It will get better". Right now, the routine makes no sense - but once he understands the routine, there is a good chance he will calm down and lessons will be better for you! Good luck in the meantime. Deb

shannonj wrote this reply on 07/23/2008
Hey,practically every swimming lesson I ever took my kids to had the presence of a screaming child. It goes without saying that some kids will have a little more trouble with the water--that's why they are there, for heaven's sake. Don't let it get to you--you are a being a good and responsible mom by making sure that your child knows how to swim. I wonder if you could take some new/special water toys or bath toys for your child to play with while he waits his turn? Could you talk to the staff about letting him come early to class....or stay later?

wiifamily wrote this reply on 07/23/2008
You could check with your community center to see if they offer private lessons for kids with disabilities. We have 2 kids with autism and the private lessons are not that much more if they have a disability. Also we are very fortunate to have a city with a great park and rec program. They just started a new swimming class this summer for kids with autism. They let the kids tour the facility before classes began and they also use picture schedules. It's great when a community becomes aware of the needs of kids with autism. The gal who is charge of inclusion does a fantastic job.

Motherof4 wrote this reply on 07/23/2008
I would have been worn out, too! But, truly, if you hang in there, I'll bet he'll do better and better as he learns what to expect.

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