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 te  achers  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, t  heir  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.
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