How to Teach Swimming to Someone with ADHD

Want to know how to teach a child with ADHD to Swim?

When a swimmer consistently struggles to follow instructions, appears disinterested, or exhibits sensory-seeking behaviors like excessive underwater time or fidgeting, it might be indicative of underlying challenges. ADHD and sensory processing dysfunction can significantly impact a child’s swimming experience.

We share insights on ADHD and sensory processing issues along with proven swim instructor tips to help overcome challenges in teaching swimming to individuals with ADHD.

Understanding ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can present challenges for children in traditional learning and therapy settings. They may struggle to focus, fidget excessively, and have difficulty following instructions.

The Benefits of Swimming for Children with ADHD

Fortunately, swimming offers a unique and positive environment for children with ADHD. The water provides natural sensory input that can be calming, organizing and focusing.

Here are some key benefits of swimming for children with ADHD:

  • Improved Focus and Attention
    The rhythmic movements of swimming, and the total body sensory input it provides as you move through the water, can have a calming effect to the body and improve concentration.
  • Enhanced Self-Regulation
    The aquatic environment allows swimmers to perform heavy work to their muscles and joints that can have a calming effect, helping children with ADHD regulate their emotions and impulses.
  • Motor Skills Development
    Swimming promotes motor planning, coordination, and gross motor skills development. These improvements can translate to better performance in other areas of a child’s life.
  • Healthy Outlet for Energy
    Swimming provides a fun and healthy way for children with ADHD to expend their energy.

Ten Tips for Teaching Swimming to Children with ADHD

The Swim Whisperers® method works for children with ADHD because it is specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by children with sensory and learning differences. Our tailored approach to teaching swim skills recognizes that each child is unique. It emphasizes individualized instruction, allowing for adaptation to specific needs and learning styles.

Here are 10 How-To tips from our Swim Whisperers® online training that will help you teach and create a positive swimming experience for individuals with ADHD:

  • Create a Structured and Consistent Routine
    Create a predictable routine for swim lessons. This predictability helps children with ADHD and sensory sensitivities feel secure and prepared in the water.
  • Break Down Skills
    Break down swimming skills into small, achievable steps. Consider using a Visual Schedule as this will help those with ADHD focus on the task at hand, understand expectations, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Offer Positive Reinforcement
    Use positive reinforcement to motivate children with ADHD. Praise their efforts and celebrate their successes, no matter how small.
  • Provide Movement and Kinesthetic Learning
    Many people with ADHD learn best through movement and hands-on activities. Incorporate motivating games and activities into swim lessons to keep children engaged.
  • Minimize Distractions
    If possible, minimize distractions during swim lessons. This can help children with ADHD focus on the instructor and the task at hand.
  • Pre-Lesson Preparation
    Prepare for the lesson and briefly explain what will happen during the lesson, allowing your swimmer to ask questions.
  • Practice Open Communication
    Maintain open communication with the student and make effective decisions throughout the lesson to maximize success.
  • Be Patient and Flexible
    It may take longer for someone with ADHD to learn to swim. Celebrate small victories and focus on progress, not perfection.
  • Consider Private Lessons
    Private swim lessons can provide more individualized attention and cater to the specific needs of each client with ADHD.
  • Find the Right Instructor
    Look for a swim instructor who is trained in adaptive aquatics or experienced in working with children with ADHD. An instructor who is specially trained, patient, understanding, and uses positive reinforcement techniques can make a big difference in a child’s success.

Watch how our co-founder Cindy Freedman teaches swim skills to one of our swimmers with sensory processing challenges. Max had difficulty in a typical learn to swim program where he often could not follow the instructions or understand the motor movements of the swim skills.

Soaking it all up

Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience, understanding the underlying problem, and a positive attitude are key when teaching a child with ADHD to swim. With the right training and approach, you can help your child not only learn to swim but also build confidence and gain essential water safety skills.

Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder

Ailene is a pediatric Physical Therapist with more than 25 years of experience treating a variety of diagnoses, both in and out of the water. She is NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) trained in pediatrics and is trained in DIR/Floortime. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. Ailene brings all of her Physical Therapy expertise into the water, where she helps children of all abilities feel safe, confident, and independent. She combines her passion and skill for working with children with special needs with the therapeutic properties of the water to achieve amazing results. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience by educating other Aquatic Professionals so that they can also make a significant impact on the lives of swimmers with special needs.

Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder

Cindy is a recreational therapist and an Occupational therapist. After working for ten years as a recreational therapist in a variety of settings, she pursued a Master’s degree in OT. Her career as an OT includes specialty training in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. As a swimmer and national champion diver, Her love of the water combined with her education and work experience created them an opportunity for Swim Angelfish to become a reality! “Our mission is to create an aquatic community of trained instructors so that together we can decrease the alarming statistic of drowning being the leading cause of death for children with special needs.”