SYDNEY, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Drowning is the leading cause of death among children with major developmental disorder autism, but lack of awareness of the risks involved and other gaps in advice and resources are hampering efforts to plug the problem, according to latest Australian research.
Children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning compared with other kids, with wandering, the tendency for an individual to try to leave the safety of a responsible person's care or a safe area, a key factor for the increased risk, according to a major report by social enterprise group Autism Swim released on Sunday.
Those with autism can experience difficulties with communication, social interaction and restricted or repetitive interests and behaviors, with the challenges often accompanied by sensory issues such an oversensitivity or undersensitivity to sounds, smells or touch, according to the group.
The condition affects about one in 70 Australians and it has been termed "an urgent public health concern," it said.
"Water activities such as visiting the beach or swimming in a pool play a significant role in Australia's iconic culture and families who have children with disabilities identify swimming as their most popular physical activity and overall favorite activity," the group reported, but there has also been "a severe lack of specialized training" for autism and aquatics.
In addition to parents and carers, "there is very limited awareness in the general community" about the condition, the attraction to water and wandering behavior, according to the report. Education for schools, first responders, healthcare providers and members of the community about wandering behavior linked to autism "could significantly improve outcomes", it said.
That also includes more training for swimming instructors to effectively teach their students water safety and other crucial skills, the group said.
The mission is to ensure parents, care givers, community members and aquatic professionals have the necessary knowledge and practical skills on all things relating to wandering and drowning prevention. Enditem
