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Last week we shared the Governor’s 2018 Drowning Prevention Proclamation as well as the Department of Developmental Services Drowning Prevention Campaign materials – all of which highlight the importance of a multilayer approach to preventing water accidents. We also want to take the opportunity during National Drowning Prevention Awareness Month to increase awareness about the heighten danger and increased risk of water accidents for children and adults with autism. Research shows that often people with autism have a strong attraction to water and coupled with wandering (a high risk behavior often associated with autism) this leads to a significantly increased risk of drowning and near drowning accidents. This heighten danger is something EVERYONE should be aware of, not just parents, because a significant number of these tragic accidents happen when the parents or primary care giver are away. We encourage you to share these resources with everyone you know in an effort to increase water safety awareness for people with autism.
Teresa Anderson, Policy Director, The Arc & UCP California Collaboration