Interview by The Godfather (AKA Scott Biehl) for the Autism News Network.
At Martar Swim School, safety and connection go hand in hand. Ellie, a parent whose child has autism and seizures, shared how the program has made an incredible difference for her family.
“We were able to get a scholarship grant this summer through DDSN for $1,000 toward swim lessons,” Ellie explained. “Last year we paid out-of-pocket — the lessons aren’t cheap, but learning how to swim is so important.”
This summer marks their third year at Martar Swim School, and Ellie says it’s their favorite for one main reason: trust.
“I can trust them to keep him safe. He doesn’t understand safety yet, but the setup here — from locked gates to secure doors — gives me peace of mind.”
For Ellie, swimming lessons were about more than just water skills.
“He was diagnosed with seizures last year, so I needed a place that could handle that. Marty has always had a way of connecting with him — pulling out his personality. He presumes competence, which is so important because not every place does.”
She emphasized that the staff’s approach makes all the difference:
“They take the time to learn how each child communicates before they push them. They build a connection first, and once that trust is there, they challenge the kids to grow.”
When asked whether her son enjoys the lessons, Ellie smiled:
“Oh, he’s happy. He claps his hands, vocalizes more, and sometimes tries to do his own thing — but even on tough days, he enjoys it. The structure and repetition really help him learn.”
Her advice for other parents of autistic children?
“Talk to other parents. Ask to watch a class. They love showing what the kids are capable of. When he started, he couldn’t swim without a life jacket — now he swims in the ocean and even jumps off the boat without one. I consider him a very good swimmer now.”
Learn more about MarTar swim school by visiting the links below:
https://www.martarswimming.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572542562143
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