One-on-one swimming lessons can be life-changing for neurodivergent children, offering a completely personalized approach that honors their unique learning style and needs. As an Autism Swim Instructor with 10 years of specialized experience working with neurodiverse children, I've witnessed these transformations firsthand, and I can't emphasize enough how powerful individualized swimming instruction can be for our kids.

The beauty of private lessons lies in the undivided attention your child receives. As an experienced instructor I can immediately recognize when your child needs a sensory break, when they're becoming overwhelmed, or when they're ready to push forward with a new skill. 

There's no pressure to keep up with other students or worry about being different – the entire session revolves around your child's comfort zone and learning pace.

I work exclusively one-on-one with children in a quiet, indoor, heated ozone pool – a sensory-friendly environment which is specifically great for neurodiverse learners. This controlled setting eliminates many of the overwhelming elements found in public pools: the echoing sounds, crowded spaces, and unpredictable chlorine smells that can trigger sensory overload.

The sensory benefits of water remain incredible – that natural deep pressure from being submerged provides the regulatory input many of our children crave. But in a private lesson, I can tailor the sensory experience specifically to your child's needs. If your little one seeks more sensory input, I might incorporate more splashing or resistance exercises. If they're sensitive to sensory overload, I can create a calmer, more controlled water environment.

Every lesson I provide is carefully tailored to the child's abilities, interests, and individual goals. Whether we're working on basic water confidence, learning to float, or developing strong swimming technique, the pace is entirely dictated by your child's needs. With 16 years in childcare and 15 years as a swim instructor, I understand that some days progress means simply getting comfortable in the water, while other days might bring breakthrough moments that surprise us all.

The relationship that develops between your child and me often becomes something special. Many neurodivergent children struggle to form connections, but the trust built in the water – where they're literally dependent on their instructor for safety and guidance – can create a meaningful bond that extends beyond the pool. I've seen children who rarely speak become chatty with their swim instructor, sharing excitement about their progress and even details about their day.

I'm passionate about making swimming accessible to every family. I work with NDIS participants and have several relevant support codes available. If your child's occupational therapist or other allied health professional has recommended swimming as a therapeutic intervention, there may be pathways for funding support. I'm happy to discuss how NDIS funding might work for your family's specific situation during our initial consultation. Many families don't realize that swimming lessons with an autism-trained instructor can be covered under their NDIS plan – it's both a safety skill and therapeutic intervention rolled into one.

“As your private swim instructor, I bring not only technical expertise but also genuine patience and deep understanding of neurodivergent learners. I celebrate every small victory, remain calm during challenging moments, and adapt my teaching style to match exactly how your child learns best—integrating play into lessons to spark enjoyment and enhance learning.” 

I believe every child can learn to swim with the right support, encouragement, and understanding. My mission goes beyond just teaching swimming techniques – it's about helping children discover the joy and freedom that water can bring, while building the confidence that ripples into every area of their lives.

If your neurodivergent child has struggled in mainstream swimming programs or if you're looking for a truly personalized approach to swimming lessons, I'd love to chat about how I can support your family's aquatic journey. Because every child deserves to feel the magic of moving through water with confidence and joy.

Brith McLaren - Can Do Aquatics,Autism Swim Instructor | Sensory-Friendly Environment