New swim program aims to prevent drowning in autistic kids

This study tests a 10-week swim and water safety program called AquOTic for children with autism ages 5 to 9. The program uses one-on-one coaching in small groups to teach swimming and safety skills. Researchers want to see if the program works and which teaching method is best—using trained students or community instructors. The goal is to help prevent drowning, a leading cause of death in autistic children.