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South Florida trains lifeguards extensively for autistic children

By Staff Writer

A recent poll conducted by the National Autism Association found that approximately 92 percent of children with autism are prone to wandering away, which experts call "elopement." This can create a dangerous situation when individuals are near large bodies of water, such as pools and the ocean.

Parents of autistic children say that swimming can calm the kids down and provide a relaxing effect, according to the Los Angeles Times. However, without a professional on duty at the pool or beach, autistic children may be in danger of drowning due to the lack of proper supervision.

In South Florida, experts are taking additional precautionary measures to make sure the accidents related to children with autism are limited. In Palm Beach and Broward counties, individuals who are training to be lifeguards must complete an extra layer of training to learn how to work with disabled kids. Water safety agencies pair people with special-needs children to life guards-in-training to make swimming areas safer places.

One in 110 children in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rehabilitation facilities and medication may be able to help kids who are coping with a learning disability, such as autism. 

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