Note: SFTAH transferred this from old data base when site was updated, thus date and name lost, all dates 2006 & 2007 changed during changeover to odd dates.Hi, I wonder if anyone could possibly give us some advice as we are desperate to know how to help our little boy in one of his favourite pastimes? Our almost 5 year old little boy has just been diagnosed with (a high functioning) autistic spectrum disorder. He has 1:1 support at his mainstream school. We have just enrolled him on a beginners swimming course at our local leisure centre as he adores 'swimming' and is very confident. He did very well for the first 2 sessions, but has since become disruptive and has shown unwanted behaviours, such as not paying attention or performing the required activity (although he is highly able to do all that is required of him), making inappropriate noises, moving away from the group, splashing and hitting the other children (there are only 6 in the group). Although we explained his difficulties before he started, and the trainer has subsequently brought in an extra person (a teenager) to help her directly as a result of Joe's behaviour, they are at a loss as to how to help him remain in the class. They don't seem to have anyone with any specialist knowledge and have asked us what they should do as they say they don't want to exclude him...but...! We are still struggling to learn effective management of the problems at home and are also are stuck with what to suggest to the swimming trainer. Has anyone come across this kind of situation before? Is there anything that you could suggest that we could pass on to the trainer to help him? He really does want to continue with his lessons. With warmest wishes, Susan Northamptonshire
