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Autistic children learn how to swim

The Auburn Journal - 7/28/2017

With drowning among the leading causes of individuals with autism, it's important that swim lessons are available to autistic children.

The Folsom Aquatic Center offers free swim lessons every summer to autistic children, the last session of which is currently being held at the pool. The four summer sessions occur Monday through Thursday for 30 minutes, each happening over two-week periods. The final week of lessons is next week from noon to 12:30 p.m.

About 30 autistic children have enjoyed the program this summer.

"It's all about learning swimming skills," said Patrick Maridon, Recreation Coordinator 2 with the city of Folsom. "Can they put their face in the water? Can they float? We don't gauge how long it takes to teach them how to swim, because each kid is different."

"Water safety is a big part of what we teach," Cassidy Peterson, lead swim instructor, added, "For some kids, this is their first time in the pool. Can they climb out of the pool? Do they know where the steps are. We are sure to teach them those things."

The program is meant to have the parents get in the pool with their kids, but if they choose not to, one swim instructor stays with each child in the pool.

"The challenges come with communication and trust," Maridon said. "Some kids can't communicate properly. It's important to build the trust too."

Loan Tran's two sons, Brian, 12, and Baron, 10, have participated in the swim program for three years. The family, which lives in El Dorado Hills, loves the program.

"I signed up with regular swim lessons first and it didn't work," Tran said. "The people weren't experienced in dealing with autistic kids and they didn't know how to react. These kids have had training and are patient. It's a really good program. It helps the kids a lot."

When Brian first came to the program, he didn't want to put his face in the water. Now he's not scared anymore and he's improved to swimming. It's become a routine.

Akiko Anderson of Folsom and her daughter, Reina, 5, recently finished their first two-week swim lesson session last week.

"She loved it," Anderson said. "She doesn't want to leave. She's not afraid. She's getting comfortable. She's learned how to paddle. I love the program. Everyone is so nice. She's enjoying it."

Anyone with questions about the autism swim lesson program can contact the Folsom Aquatic Center at 355-8318.