Water Safety Tips for Children with Special Abilities
Drowning Risks
Water can be especially enticing for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but this attraction can pose serious risks. According to the National Autism Association, 32% of parents have reported a “close call” with their child almost drowning, highlighting the critical need for water safety.
Unfortunately, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for people with ASD. Children with ASD are twice as likely to drown compared to their peers. Several behavioral traits contribute to this increased risk, including:
Limited or non-verbal communication.
Impulsive actions without considering the consequences.
Unusual levels of fear, either too much or too little.
A tendency to wander away from safe, supervised areas.
A strong draw to water, often without recognizing the potential dangers.

Drowning Prevention
Stay alert to any strong interest or frequent attraction to water.
Teach water safety early and regularly! Using visual aids and social stories can help improve understanding and retention.
Enroll in swimming lessons specifically designed for individuals with special needs.
Consistently emphasize the dangers of water to help prevent risky situations.
Inform neighbors about any tendencies to wander, so they can assist by keeping an extra eye out.
Always maintain constant visual supervision around water.
Secure home pools with a four-sided isolation fence that includes self-closing, self-latching gates.