Did you know that children on the autism spectrum are 3 times more likely to drown than those that are not?
It is information such as this, along with the well-known fact that traditional swim lessons often don’t work for children on the spectrum that motivated Royal Life Saving, in partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to develop an easily accessible online module aimed at improving swim teachers’ knowledge and skills when it comes to swimming lessons for people on the spectrum.
The module is designed for swim teachers that are starting out in this area of specialised teaching, or those with experience looking to test and update their knowledge and skills. The combination of knowledge building and practical tips and strategies will give teachers the ability to move forward with confidence and clarity and deliver highly effective and enjoyable lessons in this rewarding but sometimes challenging area.
The module includes interviews with children on the spectrum that are learning to swim, their parents or carers and their swim teachers, along with footage of swim lessons in action. All of this is designed to help communicate and bring to life key messages and enable learners to genuinely engage with the subject matter.
The module should take about 75 minutes to complete and covers the following topics:
- Understanding what autism is, and what it isn’t
- Identifying the strengths, interests, characteristics and behaviours of people on the spectrum and better understanding how they may think and learn
- Understanding the relationship between autism, water, swimming and drowning prevention
- Preparing lessons or programs tailored to individual participants on the spectrum
- Preparing for and managing behaviours you may experience when teaching swimming to participants on the spectrum
- Utilising a range of strategies and techniques during lesson delivery
Along with the video interviews those completing the course will appreciate that the module has a very visual focus using footage of swim lessons in action and a range screen designs, interactions, animations, reflection tools and knowledge checks to maximise engagement and learning.
Contact your local Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs) to find out more about these courses and availability in your local area.
Note that Royal Life Saving Society – Australia National Office is NOT a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). All nationally recognised training is delivered by Royal Life Saving STMOs.
