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News Opportunity: Australian-first Autism and Drowning Report Highlights Serious Risks for Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Announcement posted by Autism Swim 21 Feb 2019

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are 160 times more likely to die from drowning
Embargo: 24 February 2019 00:01am
 
Australian-First Autism and Drowning Report Highlights Serious Risks
For Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder
 
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are 160 times more likely to die from drowning
 
An Australian-first report launched today by Autism Swim addresses the very serious risk factors associated with “wandering” and drowning for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Research indicates that children with ASD are 160 times more likely to die from drowning, compared to other children.[1]
 
Autism Swim Founder, Erika Gleeson says the report, Autism and Drowning – The Underreported Issue brings together, for the first time, the most pertinent evidence-based data to better understand the drowning deaths associated with ASD and wandering (also sometimes referred to as absconding, elopement or fleeing).  The report provides a valuable and compelling insight into why we need to raise awareness of this tragically common issue and what needs to take place to reduce the number of drowning deaths.
 
Senior Behaviour and Skill Development Specialist in ASD and Cognitive Deficit, Erika Gleeson says that wandering is very common among children with ASD, with nearly 50% reported to wander.[2]  Wandering is when the individual tries to leave the safety of a responsible person’s care or a safe area. This has the potential to result in harm or injury.
 
“Wandering is a very stressful behavior for parents of children with ASD – 58% report it as the most stressful.[3]  Many children with ASD are particularly attracted to water, therefore drowning is a significant risk for those who wander.
 
“In addition to drowning, wandering brings other high-risk factors including exposure to the elements, dehydration, falls, hypothermia, traffic injuries or encounters with strangers.” [4]
 
“It’s alarming to think that children with ASD are 160 times more likely to die from drowning, compared to other children. Yet, so very little is known or reported about this issue.”
 
It was this lack of knowledge and resources around wandering and the risk of drowning that prompted Erika Gleeson to establish Autism Swim in 2016. This organisation is the first and only certifying body in the world specific to ASD and aquatics.
 
“Autism Swim’s mission is to ensure parents, care givers, aquatic professionals and the community at large have access to the necessary knowledge, practical skills and support relating to wandering and drowning prevention. 
 
“To do this, Autism Swim certifies swim centres, swim instructors, therapists, and other aquatic professionals as ‘Autism Swim Approved’. Additionally, they run a range of programs such as their modified “Nippers” program, called Dippers at beaches around Australia.
 
“Parents benefit from receiving expert resources, training, workshops, individualised programs and strategies on preventing their child / children from wandering and drowning.  Importantly, those with ASD benefit from specialist preventive and responsive programs and water safety education. The Autism and Drowning – The Underreported Issue report provides a clear outlook on the way forward in starting to rectify some of the associated challenges.”
 
This Australian social enterprise has been embraced globally, with Autism Swim currently operating across six countries including Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, United Kingdom, Canada and USA.
 
To download a free copy of the report, learn more about how to become an Autism Swim Approved swim centre, instructor or other aquatic professional; locating these services, as well as other drowning prevention tools for parents and those living with ASD, visit www.autismswim.com.au
 
Join us on Facebook (@Austimswim)
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ENDS
 
 
ABOUT AUTISM SWIM
 
Autism Swim, founded in Australia, is an international, social enterprise of experts specialising in the prevention of wandering occurrences and drowning for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other abilities.
 
MEDIA CONTACT:
 
To arrange an interview with Autism Swim Founder, Erika Gleeson, and/or a parent of a child with ASD, or to visit a Dippers program at Coogee beach on Sunday 24 February, please contact:
 
Cheryl Pettinau
QUAY Communications
Ph. 02 9386 9161 or 0424 157 714 
Email. cheryl@quaycommunications.com.au
 
 
[1] J Guan, G Li. Injury Mortality in Individuals with Autism. American Journal of Public Health. 107, no.5 (1 May 2017): pp 791-793. DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303696.
[2] L McIlwain, W Fournier. Lethal Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Wandering and Elopement. National Autism Association. January 2012.
[3] ibid
[4] E Gleeson. Autism Swim, Wandering – A Community Responsibility.  2018. Accessed via https://autismswim.com.au/2018/04/23/wandering-a-community-responsibility/