Autism Swim is three!
Yikes, where have the last three years gone?
We sat down with Autism Swim’s Founder and Clinical Director Erika Gleeson, to discuss Autism Swim’s approaching third birthday, a short reflection on the journey that has been, and what’s ahead for Autism Swim.
Why did you establish Autism Swim? How did it all come to be?
On top of the hugely disproportionately drowning statistics:
- Aquatic professionals were crying out for help in terms of the challenges they were experiencing and the best ways to teach those with neurodiversity/other abilities
- Parents were incredibly distressed by wandering behaviour and where to go for help
- Those with other abilities were being excluded or were being taught in a way that was not conducive to their needs
- The wider community had no idea that this was even an issue
So….. We developed a solution to each and every problem that presented itself. We've remained solutions-focused ever since.
What has the organisation achieved in such a short time (3 yrs)?
Setting up the world’s first and only certification body specific to autism and aquatics certainly hasn’t been easy. In fact, the whole journey has been the hardest thing that personally I have ever done (and may ever do). It’s been a rollercoaster of every potential emotion and has involved working harder than I thought it was possible to do; however undoubtedly the reward and pride in our creation outweighs everything else a million times over.
What’s become a fundamental lesson along the way is the notion of stopping to smell the roses and celebrate the triumphs whenever we can:
- Autism Swim is now operating in 10 countries. That means that inclusive aquatics is now available to thousands and thousands of individuals worldwide. In conjunction with that, parents now have the opportunity to receive expert guidance on wandering and drowning prevention
- Last year, we won the AnthillSmart 100 award. "Anthill’s SMART 100 are not chosen simply due to the novel or unique nature of the innovations but because of the potential of each to achieve consumer adoption and commercial success". This recognition was truly humbling
- We continue to be nominated for awards and asked to present at international conferences
We have become known as the world experts on wandering and drowning prevention for those with ASD and other abilities.
Specifically, here is a snapshot of the last few years.
Why is Autism Swim's 3rd Birthday so important?
Making it to 3 years is a worthy cause of celebration for any small business. For us, every day of every year that we’re still able to do what we do and have the impact that we have, is something we don’t take for granted. Who knew it was possible to love ‘work’ so much!?
Our future is exciting; with plans to:
- Extend certifications into other aquatic areas such as surfing teachers and surf lifesaving clubs
- Launch our App. This is an interactive water safety social story for those with other abilities; and
- Partner with other organisations who wish to contribute to social impact.
Ultimately, we will continue to expand our reach and service offerings, to allow everyone:
- The opportunity to participate
- The opportunity to learn in ways which are conducive to their needs
- The opportunity to enjoy and benefit from the water
Of all our achievements, the community that we have created is perhaps what we are most proud of. For everyone that has supported us and our mission along the way, we are forever indebted to you.
To achieve our future goals, community support will be integral; and due to this, we are asking that for those who are able, they make a $10 donation to say 'happy birthday' and 'keep up the good work!' You can make your tax deductible donation here.
What’s your dream for AS?
