Tailored swim lessons could save autistic children from drowning

NCT ID NCT07699692

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Genesis Indep Research Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

Autistic children drown at 160 times the rate of their peers, yet standard swim lessons often fail them. This study tests a new approach that adapts instruction based on a child's sensory profile—whether they seek, avoid, or have mixed reactions to sensory input. Researchers will compare sensory-based lessons to standard lessons in 95 autistic children ages 3 to 15, measuring how quickly they learn to float and kick, and how often sessions end early due to distress.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: sensory-based swim instruction
What this could lead to: If effective, this approach could help reduce drowning rates among autistic children by tailoring swim lessons to their sensory needs.
What could go wrong: This is a single study with 95 participants, and results may not apply to all autistic children. The intervention is behavioral, so individual responses may vary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ASD are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atrial septal defect autism autism spectrum disorder pervasive developmental disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ASD

Contacts and locations

Show contact details

Locations

Genesis

Louisville, Kentucky, 40299, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.