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, Sensory Based sessions and Sensory Breaks. Sensory Processing needs can be high for Neurodiverse participants. In these sensory based training modules we look at how sensory needs can impact on learning in aquatic environments and what strategies can be implemented to help participants engage. We help providers adapt their sessions to best meet sensory needs, and to identify useful tools that can be added to your sensory toolkit, to meet the needs of all participants.

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 Sensory Based Sessions module, providers will be able to:

1. Understand the role of sensory processing in learning
2. Identify the 4 sensory profiles and understand the impacts these will have on an individuals ability to participate in aquatic sessions
3. Identify tools that could be used in a sensory toolkit, to meet the sensory needs of all participants
4. Know and understand the steps to creating a sensory circuit

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

1. Recognise signs that a participant needs a sensory break
2. Understand ways to incorporate sensory breaks during swimming and aquatic programs
3. Implement an array of sensory break activities