Launch of world-first water safety App for people with Autism and other abilities

Autism Swim, an Australian-based social enterprise specialising in the prevention of wandering and drowning for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has today launched a free water safety app onto the Australian market.

Erika Gleeson, Autism Swim Founder and CEO comments, “Current research suggests that someone with autism is 160 times more likely to die of drowning than those without autism.  Our purpose at Autism Swim is to save lives, and we have an unwavering commitment to education, empowering change and fostering inclusive practices.  The launch of this App is a valuable addition to our expert resources and educational suite available for those with autism, their parents, aquatic professionals  and the broader community.

The App is an interactive social story[1], teaching the users key safety skills and practices to adopt in and around the water.  It is the only interactive water safety App for those with autism and other abilities available worldwide.

Erika Gleeson commented, “We are incredibly excited to be launching ‘Staying safe around the Water’ today, marking the first day of summer.  We have worked with expert clinicians, parents and neurodiverse adults to design and develop this App which aims to provide guidance to a wide range of users, regardless of their age and abilities.”

‘Staying safe around the Water’ centres on a pool environment and walks the user through different scenarios and what to do in each one. Examples of some of the key skills including waiting until being told to go in the water, treading water and staying calm.

To download the App, visit https://autismswim.com.au/participants/. For more information on Autism Swim and the expert resources they have available please visit https://autismswim.com.au/