This training module is part of the comprehensive suite of training and certification offered by the global leaders in inclusive aquatics, Autism Swim.

Autism Swim (AS) provides a range of professional development services for aquatic professionals working with Neurodiverse participants in and around the water. Autism Swim and STA have partnered to offer introductory training modules for those not quite ready to undertake the full training and certification. For more information on certification, please visit the website.

In this training package, we cover three individual training modules - Sensory needs,  Communication and Behaviour Support.

In Sensory Needs we talk through the ways in which different sensory needs will impact how your participant is feeling, and their ability to learn. It is therefore imperative that you feel confident in your knowledge of what sensory needs might exist and what strategies can be employed to help support these.

In the Communication training module we talk through different ways of communicating with your participants, and help you develop an understanding of how to most effectively communicate with them.

In the Behaviour Support training module we talk through the most common behaviours you might see in the water with your participants, and what positive support strategies you can employ to support them.

By the end of the Sensory Needs module, providers will be able to:

1. Understand how the brain processes and responds to sensory information in the aquatic environment
2. Identify whether a participant is hyper- or hypo-responsive to sensory information
3. Acknowledge the impact that a sensory rich aquatic environment can have on a participant’s ability to participate in aquatics
4. Identify helpful tools and strategies to use so that participants are calm and ready to learn in aquatic environments

By the end of the Communication module, providers will be able to:

1. Understand varying communication styles and preferences
2. Understand the difference between receptive and expressive communication
3. Identify strategies to promote successful communication before, during and after aquatic activities
4. Utilise respectful and empowering communication when working with participants who have limited verbalisations
5. Understand how, when and why to use visual supports in aquatic activities to ensure positive aquatic experiences

By the end of the Behaviour Support module, providers will be able to:

1. Understand that all behaviour is functional
2. Understand the four functions of behaviour
3. Identify and gather information relating to participant behaviour needs
4. Identify and gather data to assist with understanding behaviours
5. Acknowledge and explain the reasons why punishment is not an effective behaviour support strategy
6. Utilise positive behaviour support strategies when responding to behaviours
7. Understand task analysis and how changing levels of assistance can be a measure of progress
8. Identify strategies to motivate participants, teach new skills and to reduce behaviours of concern during aquatics