Safety on the Spectrum™

WATER &

WANDERING PROGRAM

The Autism Society’s Safety on the Spectrum™: Water and Wandering Program is a national effort to increase water safety education and training across the Autism community. The program works to not only prevent wandering-related tragedies, but to increase water safety skills among Autistic individuals and their families.

The Autism Society of America has developed an adaptive aquatics curriculum that supports instructors and the Autism community nationwide. The initiative focuses on proactive programming, prevention, and improved responses to wandering incidents.

Statistics

49%

49% of children with Autism attempted to elope at least once after age 4

46%

from age 4 to 7 – 46% of children with Autism eloped

53%

Of those who eloped, 53% went missing long enough to cause concern

41.5 min

41.5 minutes is the average time children are missing

46%

from age 4 to 7 – 46% of children with Autism eloped

160x more

people with Autism are 160x more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers

Impact

  • Communities will have more options for swim lessons for those with Autism. Additionally, they will have the training necessary to effectively teach learn-to-swim skills to individuals with Autism.
    Affiliates will be able to connect families to appropriate and adequate swim lessons within their communities.
  • Families will receive swim lessons that are differentiated and curated specifically for their child’s needs.
  • Individuals will learn how to be safe in the aquatic environment. They will be connected to swim lessons that are specifically designed and tailored to their needs.
  • Instructors will be able to teach individuals with Autism how to swim with the support necessary to be successful.

Water & Wandering Guides/Toolkits

Wandering Resources

Wandering Guide

IEP Considerations

Trusted Neighbor 101

Wandering Emergency Plan

Wandering History Log

Wandering Letter

Police Dispatchers Questions

Safety Checklist

Partners

Kiefer Aquatics is the trusted source for competitive swimmers, aquatic facility equipment, water aerobics and water safety needs. Through our ownership of The Lifeguard Store – we are also the nationwide leader serving lifeguards and water safety programs at municipalities, waterparks, YMCA programs, country clubs and government agencies. Our team is driven by a shared commitment to outstanding service, value and innovation. Kiefer Aquatics was founded in 1947 by Adolph Kiefer – Olympic swimming gold medalist, World War II Navy Director of Swimming and largely viewed as the Godfather of modern USA Swimming. We are committed to carrying forward his legacy of excellence, safety, and service.

Support This Program

With continued support for the Water and Wandering program, we can provide proactive programming, prevention, and improved responses to water and wandering incidents.

Whether you donate $5 or $500, every amount helps. If you can’t donate at this time, we ask that you click the share button to spread the word.

Questions? Need Help or Support?