Parents & experts point out how swimming can do wonders for children with disabilities

Swimming has numerous benefits, especially for children with disabilities. The needs and requirements of each child is different. Experts and parents point out why swimming can help a child with disability enhance their skills.

Swimming is one of the best physical exercises. It aids in shedding body weight and also is instrumental to having good mental health. For children with disabilities, swimming does wonders. Over the years, studies have pointed out how swimming has been beneficial in enhancing coordination, stronger muscles and even better and communication. Moreover, at swimming classes, the child is introduced to their peers which helps in improving their social skills too.

Many schools for children with disabilities offer courses in swimming. Most of the cities across India have sports clubs with exclusive courses to teach swimming for children with disabilities. Parents and caregivers can find out the right ones and guide the child. Eventually, learning swimming is also about fun and excitement as well.

Zeba Hashmi’s 11 year old son Affan has multiple disabilities. Zeba says Affan has been an ardent swimmer since a young age, an activity he loves doing.

Swimming helps a child with disability in many ways. Many issues can be resolved through swimming and hydrotherapy for children with autism and other physical disabilities too. It helps in better coordination and strengthening upper and lower limbs. They can learn to balance their body and even release energy, especially for kids who are hyperactive. This helps them to focus on their daily activities too- Zeba Hashmi.

The many benefits

Experts point out that swimming is not just about gaining physical strength. It helps to increase concentration, self-esteem and confidence too. Parents and caregivers must understand that the needs and requirements of each child with a disability are different. Hence, speak to swimming coaches and know what suits best for your child.

Moreover, it is important to know swimming because it is a lifesaving skill too. They can explore new boundaries while having fun.

Amal Upadhyay is a swimming coach from Ahmedabad. He has trained thousands of children with disabilities in his career span that expands over a decade. “Children with autism can even develop their communication skills by learning swimming. For some of them, it is hard to get their food digested which causes slow metabolism. Swimming can help solve that. They get continuity in muscles. Swimming helps to calm down kids who are hyperactive. It also helps them to sleep well. Even their speech can be improved to a large extent”, say Amal.

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