From Bathtub to Water Park

water park

For a lot of children with autism and their families, heading for a day at the water park might be very overwhelming. But, if your kiddo enjoys bath time, then a fun day at the park may not be too far off. That’s why today we have some tips for transitioning a child with autism from the familiarity of a bathtub to the excitement of a water park with smooth, gradual steps. Here’s a personal guide to making the journey enjoyable:

Water Safety First

Before we can begin talking about water slides and wave pools, ensuring your child’s safety around water is paramount. Prioritize teaching them to swim, as swimming skills are essential for their safety and confidence. Consider enrolling your child in swim lessons tailored for children with autism to provide them with the skills they need to enjoy water activities safely.

Step 1: Bathtub to Kiddie Pool

Start with a small kiddie pool at home. This allows your child to become comfortable with a larger water space while still in a familiarwater park environment. Introduce water toys and activities they enjoy in the bathtub to make the experience positive. Just remember to stay patient. Just because they like the bath, doesn’t mean this will be a home run. A lot of variables are different from location to water temperature, so take it slow.

Step 2: Kiddie Pool to Splash Pad

Once your child is accustomed to the kiddie pool, take them to a local splash pad. Splash pads offer gentle water features and interactive play without the overwhelming stimuli of a full water park. Gradually increase the time spent here, allowing your child to explore at their own pace. If they don’t want to play with a specific feature, don’t push it. Chances are they will discover it on their own and learn to love it.

Step 3: Splash Pad to Water Park

When your child enjoys the splash pad, it’s time to visit a water park. Plan short visits during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds and loud noises. Focus on areas similar to the splash pad initially, and slowly introduce more complex attractions as your child becomes more comfortable. This is another chance to practice patience. It can be difficult for parents to pay for a trip to even a small water park only to have your kiddo stay in the same spot all day. But, like most things like this, slow and steady wins the race.

Tips for a Smooth Transition:

  • Use Visual Aids: Create a visual schedule or social story about the water park visit. Include pictures and descriptions to help your child understand what to expect.
  • Prepare with Videos and Photos: Show your child videos and photos of the water park to familiarize them with the environment.
  • Bring Comfort Items: Pack familiar items such as a favorite towel, toys, or snacks to provide comfort.
  • Use Ear Protection: Consider earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if your child is sensitive to loud sounds.
  • Communicate with Staff: Inform the water park staff about your child’s needs. Many parks offer accommodations to make your visit smoother.

By taking these steps and moving at a pace that suits your child, you can ensure the transition from the bathtub to the water park is a positive and enjoyable experience for the whole family. With patience and preparation, water play can become a delightful summer activity that everyone looks forward to.

We have been a family blessed with the help of the team at The Helm. Our son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 2.5 and The Helm was one of the places recommended by our developmental psychologist. I am a physician and still found it hard navigating this new medical problem and knowing what to do next. I called many places and from step one Lee Ann was the most helpful explaining the process with paperwork, assessment, available services, insurance, etc. we were able to start therapy quite soon after diagnosis and had sessions at home daily for 3 hours. The quality of staff, the system they have in place for the therapists, the coordination by the BCBA supervising therapist and early response put us at ease that we were on the right path. Ultimately the steady positive changes we saw with our son overcame any fears we had about autism holding our son back for the rest of his life.

We used many forms of intervention that we felt were individually tailored for our family – for potty training, anger management, dietary intervention and even let them know when we could not maintain something suggested in family training, and they would just take our request and implement another plan. Our son has now graduated/transitioned out of therapy and is currently in pre-K in a regular classroom with him on par with his class in academics, has friends and no behavior issues. Most important of all we have a happy son who loves to play with his big sister.

I know that I will always read all there is on autism and watch my son for any features. But I hope my review adds to positive aspects that I wish someone would have told me when I started the journey – start early, don’t put off your suspicions, get your child evaluated now! The label does not hinder,  in fact it falls to the side once you have the diagnosis to facilitate therapy. ABA intervention, especially done with the right people, makes a big difference. It does not pressure or upset the child at all, and you are not stuck in therapy for life! I know if any behavioral issues come up in the future I have The Helm, and they will help us and the outcome is going to be positive. Said with heartfelt thanks.

– Former Helm ABA Family

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