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 individual training module, 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.

By the end of this 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