Mansfield autism swimming sessions proves a hit with families

The Little Swimmers Autism Group is held monthly at Water Meadows in Mansfield, and allows parents and youngsters to have fun in a safe, friendly environment.

Kathryn Brown from Chesterfield set up the monthly event at Water Meadows after realising there were very few of these events for families after her son, Charlie, was diagnosed.

She recalls her early experiences of taking Charlie out for social excursions: “When he was young, taking him anywhere was difficult - he didn't like crowds, noise or change.

“He would escape from places and, if he had meltdowns, people used to stare and make us feel uncomfortable as parents.”

When he was five, a family member invited them to a birthday party at Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex in Mansfield and Kathryn saw her family having ‘the best time in ages’ so she decided to hire the pool herself for his upcoming birthday.

“It was a great success with his school friends and their families.

“Another mum did the same for one of Charlie's friends a couple of months later, which gave me the idea to approach the parents at school about hiring the pool once a month.

“We all chipped in for the cost of the pool, and it went from there.”

Charlie is now 23 and he still attends the sessions which run on the first Saturday of every month throughout the year.

“We don't have any age restrictions so as long as he wants to come along, he will.

“Most support groups are aimed purely at the child with autism, and usually only one parent can attend with them, we wanted to make it for the whole family.

“I wanted to make our group as inclusive as possible...Plus, if you want to bring a friend and their children to support your other children in the pool, then that's fine too.

“It's a much more relaxed approach than when it's open to the public and parents appreciate that.”

For more information on the sessions, contact Kathryn on 07825396378.