BIG EFFORT. BIG IMPACT.
Our Simple Step-by-Step Pathway
Starting your water safety journey is easy with our inclusive process.
Our 32-Session Therapeutic Plan
This therapeutic intervention helps your child become comfortable in aquatic environments. We adapt every session to match the specific sensory or tactile goals you set for your child's success.
Part 1: Observation & Strategy
During we initial six meetings, we focus on sensory assessment. You help us decide which therapeutic needs to prioritize, from tactile stimuli to managing crowded pool environments.
Part 2: Intervention
We move through five blocks of aquatic learning. Our team adapts sessions to your goals, ensuring comfort in both calm pools and open water environments.
A Therapeutic Intervention for Water Safety
The Big Effort Autism Swim Program is a form of therapeutic intervention. This means it is a structured, purposeful program designed to support your child’s mental, emotional, and physical well‑being while building real‑life safety skills around water. Our main goal is to reduce drowning deaths among children with autism by giving them the tools they need to be safer in aquatic environments.
Many children with ASD are naturally drawn to water. It can feel soothing when they are overstimulated, which can increase their desire to investigate pools, lakes, or other bodies of water—even when they don’t yet know how to stay safe. Without proper training, this attraction can lead to a higher risk of drowning. Our program is designed to change that risk into confidence, giving children a safe way to enjoy the calming feeling of water while learning how to protect themselves.
This therapeutic approach supports not only your child, but also you as a parent. As your child practices clear, repeatable safety skills in and around water, you gain more peace of mind. You can relax a little more at the pool, lake, or beach, knowing your child has been guided through a structured program that focuses on both comfort and safety in aquatic environments.
Visual Modeling Success Path
i
Our experts coach a person your child trusts, like a sibling or parent, on how to perform a specific water safety task based on their therapeutic curriculum.
ii
We record that trusted person demonstrating the skill. Seeing someone they love succeed helps your child overcome sensory hurdles and build immediate bravery.
iii
Using the video as a guide, your child mimics the movement in the pool. This utilizes their existing bond with you to master vital, life-saving aquatic skills.
Track Every Win
SplashAble shows each new skill your child learns, so you can celebrate every small step—not just the final result.
Digital Progress Hub
Families use the SplashAble app to see each new step their child takes in the water—one clear win at a time.
Storyboards That Prepare Your Child
Simple visual storyboards help your child know what will happen in each session, lowering anxiety and making the pool feel more predictable.
Share Progress With Your Team
Updates are easy to share with other caregivers, teachers, and therapists, so everyone understands your child’s goals and wins.
Your Child's Lesson Path
1
Guided Pool Entry
We start with a predictable entrance to the swimming area, helping manage sensory input and ease any anxiety.
2
The Morning Hello
The instructor and child bond during a peaceful greeting, creating the trust needed for a productive session.
3
Storyboard Prep
We look at the custom storyboard together to remind the child of their successes and what to expect today.
4
Setting Tasks
We clearly outline the specific aquatic tasks for the hour so there are no surprises during the lesson path.
5
The Active Session
This is the core therapeutic block where we practice adapted safety techniques and build water confidence.
6
Earned Celebration
We end with a pre-planned reward chosen by you, ensuring every session finishes with a feeling of pride.
7
Evening Review
Back at home, the child finishes a storyboard to anchor their new skills and prepare for their next visit.
Partnering with You
You are the specialist when it comes to your child. Our program is a partnership where you guide the therapeutic focus and we adapt our instruction to meet the sensory and safety goals you have for your child's future.