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If you’re looking for a great cause to get behind and want to do your bit to change the drowning statistics, we would be forever indebted for your support.

Autism Swim

World leaders in inclusive education for those who are neurodiverse or have specific learning needs.

About Us

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Autism Swim are the international peak body for inclusive aquatics. We specialise in wandering and drowning prevention for those on the autism spectrum and with any specific learning needs.

AUTISM SWIM TEAM

Erika-new

Erika

Founder/CEO & Senior Behaviour Specialist

Best thing about my job:
Every day our work allows us to create a more inclusive society, and allows us to make the lives of others better. There really isn't a feeling in life that comes close to that. 

On the weekend you'll find me:
Exercising --> Cafe --> beach --> dog park --> reading --> working --> catching up with some pals.

In case you ever want to buy me one, my coffee order is:
Double espresso on ice, with a dash of oat milk.

Chloe - white

Chloe

Business Administration Manager

Best thing about my job:
 I can use my skills to support a cause I am so passionate about, and work with some really amazing people in the process!

On the weekend you'll find me:
Hanging out with my 3 wonderful kids, at the park, the beach, or just in the backyard.

In case you ever want to buy me one, my coffee order is:
An almond milk latte.

Marko-1-

Marko

E-learning Manager

Best thing about my job:
Helping people to develop and grow through technology.

On the weekend you'll find me:
On the bank of Danube, camping, fishing and living a life in the wild.

In case you ever want to buy me one, my coffee order is:
A double macchiato, thanks!

Paige Leishman

Paige

Clinical Assistant (Occupational Therapy)

Best thing about my job:
I can share my passion and skills for swimming and all things aquatics with others!

On the weekend you'll find me:
Running, ocean swimming, walking my dog or napping.

In case you ever want to buy me one, my coffee order is:
A dirty chai.

Sue

Sue

Accounts & Jack of all Trades

Best thing about my job:
The best thing about my job is providing support and feedback to a valuable organisation such as AS.

On the weekend you'll find me:
On the weekend you will find me at home in the garden or watching AFL (go Melbourne).

In case you ever want to buy me one, my coffee order is:
The coffee order is a Long black with an extra shot.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mark Liberatore

Mark Liberatore (Chair)

Mark Liberatore (MBA) has been working in the social and community services sector for well over a decade and is extremely passionate about supporting as many people as possible to live healthy and happy lives. This passion was the driving factor behind him commencing his career as an Allied Health Professional, and more specifically, as an ESSA Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).

The time he spent as an AEP provided Mark with visibility of some of the inequalities people living with disability face in achieving their health and wellbeing goals. As a result, he has dedicated his career to advocating for the rights of people living with disabilities and has developed extensive experience in operations management, product development, change management and business transformation. He is currently employed at Cerebral palsy alliance as a Regional Therapy Manager (Northern NSW) and is extremely excited to be joining the Autism Swim family.

Marni-Ryan

Marni Ryan

Marni Ryan is a highly experienced and solution-driven executive with a proven track record of 15 years leading high-performing marketing and communications teams in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Marni has led the brand strategy for high-visitation cultural institutions of national significance, like the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Domain, she helped grow Earth Hour from a grassroots movement to a household name in Australia and led WWF’s brand, marketing, and innovation team through a period of rapid growth. She is recognised as an expert in her field and was part of the global Communications Advisory Group for the United Nations Decade of Oceans.

From leadership roles with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to the University of Queensland, Marni’s experience in brand strategy, digital marketing and strategic partnerships will be an asset to Autism Swim as we chart our path to growth.

Marni is passionate about creating an inclusive community and as a Mum to two children who love the ocean and love the water, she is an advocate for helping children of all abilities be safe and feel included in the water.
Geoff Potter

Geoff Potter

Dr. Geoff Potter is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst. He has worked in Positive Behaviour Support for over 34 years.

Dr Potter’s area of interest is Non-Linear Multi-Element Behaviour Support. He has a strong research interest in non-aversive situational support, motivating operations and eliminating restricted practices.

Dr Potter has a focus on the publication of field-based work related to PBS. He has published and presented at several international conferences. Dr Potter sits on several international research groups. He has appeared in popular media in an ABC television series on the challenges of moving out of home for persons with intellectual disability.
Dr Potter is the Chief Clinical Officer of the Centre for Positive Behaviour Support and a Director of Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia.

Ella Thurston

Ella Thurston (Secretary)

Ella has spent the last 10 years in a variety of operational and health and safety senior leadership roles across publicly listed and private companies.
 
In her day-to-day role Ella is responsible for leading health and safety strategy, governance, systems, risk and assurance. Ella is passionate about building practical health and safety strategies and initiatives to improve organisational culture and performance from Board to frontline level. Ella also plays a lead role in supporting Directors and Officers in meeting due diligence obligations.
 
Growing up in the water and still being a keen swimmer today, Ella is keen to see people of all abilities have accessibility to the water in a safe way. Ella also has a strong passion for mental health and supporting people to live physically and mentally healthy lives.
Erika-Gleeson

Erika Gleeson

Erika is an internationally renowned Clinician (Senior Behaviour Specialist), Speaker, Author, Inclusion Advocate, Director of WeFlex and NSW Finalist for Australian of the Year (2021). She also happens to be the CEO and Founder of Autism Swim.
 
When Erika stumbled across the drowning statistics back in 2015 and realised how the aquatics industries worldwide were significantly delayed in inclusive practices, she leapt into action. Thanks to Erika, Autism Swim (and hence, inclusion) now exists in over 26 countries!

ADVISORS

Brett Adams

Brett Adams

Nathan Kessey

Nathan Kessey

Tommy Trout

Tommy Trout

Tommy Trout has been working in community services since he was 16 years old – and has absolutely loved every minute of it! His career has seen him working in juvenile rehabilitation in Sweden, residential drug rehabs, mental health centres, in the community and building suicide prevention charities in
remote Australia.
 
After seeing the health inequality for people with disability and a clear gap in the market he founded WeFlex Pty Ltd. A business that aims that connect people with disabilities with mainstream health and fitness services – creating a more inclusive fitness industry. Personally, Tommy is driven and excited about a more inclusive world for people with disabilities, after seeing firsthand the stigma and barriers they face. He is also currently a Director of Autism Swim.

DIPPERS CLINICIANS 2023

Leo-Weaver

Leo Weaver

Coogee location

Jessica-Lily-Perlov

Jessica-Lily Perlov

Bondi location

Ash---Bonte-Clinician-2023

Ash Ehrenfeld

Bronte location

Kristen Colthorpe

Kristen Colthorpe

Port Macquarie location

WHO DO WE WORK WITH?

  • Swim Centres and Instructors
  • Aquatic Therapists
  • Parents and families
  • Schools (both specialised and mainstream)
  • Surf Life Saving Clubs
  • Government bodies
  • Not-for-profits
  • Education bodies
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AQUATIC PROFESSIONALS

We work with swimming instructors, swim centres, therapists and other aquatic professions; providing them with training, resources and support so that they are better geared to teach those who require some more support around the water. As a result, they become Autism Swim Approved.

See our swimming instructor, swim centre or aquatic therapist page for more information.

Become Autism Swim Approved

PARENTS

Parents benefit from receiving expert resources, training, workshops, individualised programs and strategies on wandering and drowning prevention.

Click below for more information on our parent training and membership options.

Online Parents Training Options

WHY WE EXSIST

1:5

people have a disability. This means varying needs, goals, preferences and learning styles.

160

That’s how many times more likely drowning occurrence is for someone on the autism spectrum than a neurotypical.

91%

of parents in our community have left other aquatic services due to them not understanding their child’s needs.

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    Autism Swim