Draw the Line on Drowning

As the prevalence of autism reaches unprecedented levels, it’s never been more important to understand the needs of those impacted by autism and ensure that essential services are available. During Autism Acceptance Month, Connections is focusing on water safety to combat drowning -- the number one cause of death for children with autism.

Research shows that:

• Children with autism are drawn to water.
• Children with autism learn to swim differently than neurotypical peers.
• Traditional swim classes do not recognize these differences, so they’re often ineffective for children on the spectrum.
• We are in the midst of a national swim instructor shortage due to Covid.

Our school is a leader in drowning prevention efforts. We have designed, tested and deployed a highly effective swim program specifically for children with autism. This program is included in our curriculum for all students and our young adult clients and has been shared as a model across Florida. This program is groundbreaking and essential, yet it is not funded by the public school program. 

👉 Here are 6 tips for water safety.

Please join our efforts to prevent drowning for children with autism by helping us fund this important program. Students will wrap up the month by completing an Aquatic Obstacle Course event that demonstrates the important water skills they've learned!

How can you help?

Find the classroom you want to help and click donate! You can also join their team, create your own page, and share with friends and family for an even bigger impact. 

The classrooms that have the following will receive a pool party at the end of this school year!

• Most donations
• Most donors
• Most times obstacle course completed

Donate by April 27, 2023, for a 2x match by a generous, anonymous donor! CAMPAIGN & MATCH EXTENDED to May 5!

During the week below, all of our classes will participate in an obstacle course to demonstrate their water skills and raise awareness.

WHEN:  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 25-28, 2023

Tuesday: 

9:45-10:30 a.m.  Maria's Class

10:35-11:20 a.m.  Claudine's Class

11:25-12:15 p.m. Edward's Class

12:40-1:20 p.m. High School /Brittany's Class

Wednesday

9:45-10:30 a.m.  Kristen's Class

10:35-11:20 a.m.  Nikki's Class

11:25-12:15 p.m. Faydel's Class

12:40-1:20 p.m.  High School /Tammy & April's Class

Thursday

9:45-11:00 a.m.  Treena's Class

11:05-12:05 p.m.  Tyler's Class

12:05-12:35 p.m. Young Adult Clients

12:40-1:20 p.m. High School /Caitlin's Class

Friday

9:45-10:45 a.m.  Janine's Class

10:50-11:45 a.m.  Kali's Class

12:40-1:20 p.m. High School /Melissa's Class

Ms. Katie demonstrating the obstacle course

The students trying the obstacle course for the first time