Seeking Swim Lessons for Special Needs 4yo
My son is a happy four year old with autism and learning delays. He is non-verbal, but responds to commands and prompts. He loves playing in the water and we'd like to see if there are any group or private classes or instructors that specialize in working with special needs kids and/or kids with intellectual disabilities. Thanks!
Jan 22, 2018
Parent Replies
You may want to check out the Facebook group East Bay Autism Parents. There is a great community there. People often post questions like yours and receive some good referrals.
Hi there! I was a volunteer for this AMAZING organization: http://snapkids.org/programs-and-services/ , which sounds like just what you're looking for...They are amazing and Dori who runs the program is fabulous. Good luck!
Check out the Downtown Berkeley YMCA. They have a swim and gym program designed specifically for this, as well as a parent support group. I have no personal experience but the kids in this program always look very happy splashing in the pool.
https://ymcacba.org/index.php/ymca-berkeley-programs/youth-teen-family/item/281-special-needs
They also offer kids night out for special needs children. See description below.
SWIM AND GYM INCLUSION PROGRAM: AGES 2-8
Includes Parent Support/Resource Group
Our inclusion program was created to encourage children to participate in a group instructional setting, to offer time for inclusive play with others, as well as establish a supportive environment for parents to share resources with each other. In this program, youth and parents spend 30 minutes in the pool with instructors, then transition to either inclusion time in our Child Watch room, or free play in our Kindergym. While children are engaged in inclusion time / free play, parents participate in a peer support discussion.
SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS NIGHT OUT: AGES 2-6
Enjoy a night out while your children play at the YMCA. Kids spend the evening engaged in fun, age-appropriate activities including: group games, arts & crafts, and Kindergym play. Dinner and healthy snacks provided. 1:3 staff to child ratio. If your child needs more supervision because of behavior issues or health conditions, contact: rgriffin [at] ymcacba.org (rgriffin[at]ymcacba[dot]org) prior to registering. Siblings welcome to register.