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Drowning deaths of two autistic kids push water worries to the surface in Minnesota

The Tragic Losses

The deaths of two autistic, nonverbal children in the Twin Cities since June have sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many searching for answers. The tragic losses have sparked a renewed focus on the safety and well-being of autistic individuals, particularly those with nonverbal communication skills. The question on everyone’s mind is: what can be done to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future?

The Importance of Safety Measures

  • Regular supervision and monitoring of autistic individuals, especially in public places and during activities
  • Ensuring that caregivers and support staff are trained to recognize and respond to potential safety risks
  • Implementing safety protocols and emergency procedures in case of an accident or incident
  • Providing accessible and safe environments for autistic individuals to participate in activities and socialize

    • The Role of Swimming Lessons

    Swimming lessons have been suggested as a potential solution to prevent such tragedies. However, some advocates argue that it may not be enough to ensure the safety of autistic individuals.

    The Autistic Community’s Plea for Action

    The recent drownings of Mohamed and Waeys have sent shockwaves through the autistic community, highlighting the need for increased support and protection for autistic children. The tragedy has sparked a renewed call to action, with many advocating for improved safety measures and more resources to be allocated to support autistic individuals and their families.

    This alarming statistic highlights the need for increased awareness and education about water safety and the importance of providing support for individuals with autism to learn how to swim.

    Understanding the Risks

    Drowning is a silent killer, often taking its victims by surprise. For individuals with autism, the risk of drowning is exacerbated by their unique cognitive and sensory processing abilities. While some may be naturally more cautious in water, others may be more prone to overstimulation or sensory overload, leading to a higher risk of accidents. Key factors contributing to the increased risk of drowning in individuals with autism include: + Sensory sensitivities and difficulties with sensory integration + Impaired cognitive processing and decision-making + Limited understanding of water safety and risk assessment + Increased anxiety and stress in aquatic environments

    The Importance of Water Safety Education

    Providing water safety education is crucial for individuals with autism to learn how to swim and reduce the risk of drowning. However, traditional teaching methods often fall short in meeting the unique needs of individuals with autism.

    Foss Swim School offers a free trial lesson for new students. Foss Swim School offers a local swim team for kids.

    “I am committed to working with Senator Mohamed and other lawmakers to ensure that our laws and policies are fair and equitable for all families, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

    A New Era of Advocacy for Children’s Rights

    The recent surge in awareness about the importance of protecting children’s rights has led to a renewed focus on the need for comprehensive legislation that addresses the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population. At the forefront of this movement is Senator Hagi-Mohamed, who has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the issue and push for meaningful change.

    The Current State of Children’s Rights

  • The current state of children’s rights in the United States is marked by a patchwork of laws and policies that fail to provide adequate protection for the most vulnerable members of society. Children are often left without access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and social services, due to systemic barriers and lack of resources. The most marginalized children, including those from low-income families, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ youth, are disproportionately affected by these systemic issues. ## A Call to Action*

    • A Call to Action

    Senator Hagi-Mohamed’s efforts to raise awareness about the issue have been met with support from a wide range of stakeholders, including advocacy groups, community organizations, and even fellow lawmakers. State Sen. Zaynab Mohamed, DFL-Minneapolis, has reached out to her on the issue.

    “But for younger kids, it’s more about teaching them to be comfortable in the water, and to be able to swim safely.”

    The Importance of Water Safety Education

    Water safety education is crucial for kids, regardless of their age or ability. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children under the age of 14. This highlights the importance of teaching children how to swim and water safety skills from a young age. Key benefits of water safety education include:

      • Reduced risk of drowning
      • Improved swimming skills
      • Enhanced confidence in the water
      • Better preparedness for water-based activities

        • Foss Swim School’s Approach

        Foss Swim School takes a comprehensive approach to teaching kids how to swim. Their program is designed to cater to students of all abilities and needs, from beginner to advanced levels.

        Building confidence in the water is key to a lifelong love of swimming.

        They offer a variety of classes for different age groups, including infants, toddlers, and school-age children.

        Building Confidence in the Water

        At the heart of their teaching philosophy is the importance of building confidence in the water. This is achieved through a combination of fun, engaging activities and personalized attention from their instructors. By focusing on the child’s individual needs and abilities, they create a safe and supportive environment that allows children to feel comfortable and confident in the water. Some examples of activities that help build confidence include:

      • Playing games like “Marco Polo” and “Sharks and Minnows”
      • Practicing swimming strokes and water acrobatics
      • Learning about buoyancy and water resistance
      • Engaging in water play with toys and props

        • Water Safety Education

        In addition to building confidence, their classes also place a strong emphasis on water safety education.

        Foss also offers a free online course on autism awareness and acceptance.

        The Need for Support and Accommodations

        Fay Jede’s initiative aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for autistic children and their families. By installing fences around open bodies of water, Jede hopes to prevent accidental drownings, which are a significant concern for families with autistic children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children with autism are at a higher risk of drowning due to their increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli and difficulties with social interactions. Some of the key statistics that highlight the need for support and accommodations include: + Children with autism are 4 times more likely to drown than their non-autistic peers.

        “I have been trying to heal as I start advocating for neurodiverse kids,” Jede said. “I am trying to heal as I am advocating for kids like Waeys.”

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