Swim Lessons for Autistic/Disabled Kids

Hi East Bay Parents,

I'm looking for an experienced and effective swim instructor for a 10-yr-old child, who is minimally verbal with many processing issues (sensory, visual, auditory), severe motor-planning challenges, and very limited motor skills (plus, anxieties, fears ...). My goal is water safety and actual swim skills, as well as perhaps a doorway to physical movement and motor development. My hope is that being in the water can facilitate a comfort to try new movements and experiment with movement, to achieve greater range of motion and eventually, fitness/strength. Anyone out there have experience with physical therapists or APE-type coaches who specialize in individualized water-based movement and/or teaching water safety/swim skills for kids with the above challenges? Alternatively, anyone had experience with the instructors at Patti's Swim School? Appreciate hearing of recent experiences and learning of resources. I'm looking for individual lessons and ideally an outdoor setting. (Indoor pools and group lessons won't work for this child) Thank you!

-BPN Mom

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Hi! I have 2 girls ages 7&11 who have ASD and they both have strong sensory issues related to water. Even washing their hair can be a real issue! I found canyon swim school in El sobrante very affordable and receptive to my kids special needs. I couldn't believe how comfortable they felt and how much progress they made! Definitely recommend canyon swim school for special needs children. Best of luck!