{"product_id":"pool-feelings-scale-autistic-children","title":"Pool Feelings Scale for Autistic Children: Visual Emotions Chart for Swimming Lessons","description":"\u003clink href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Lora:ital,wght@0,400;0,600;1,400\u0026amp;family=DM+Sans:wght@400;500;600\u0026amp;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\"\u003e\u003cstyle\u003e* { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }:root { --primary: #bb008c; --primary-light: #f9e5f4; --primary-dark: #8a0066; --secondary: #38b6ff; --secondary-light: #e8f6ff; --accent: #ffcc00; --accent-light: #fffbe6; --dark: #040404; --muted: #666666; --border: #e5e5e5; --success: #00bb38; }.sp { font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif; color: var(--dark); font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.7; max-width: 860px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 1rem 3rem; }.sp h1, .sp h2, .sp h3 { font-family: 'Lora', serif; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.25; color: var(--dark); }.section { margin: 2.5rem 0; }.section-label { font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--primary); margin-bottom: 0.5rem; }.section h2 { font-size: clamp(1.2rem, 2.5vw, 1.6rem); margin-bottom: 1rem; }.section p { margin-bottom: 1rem; color: var(--muted); }.divider { border: none; border-top: 1px solid var(--border); margin: 2.5rem 0; }.callout { background: var(--primary-light); border-left: 3px solid var(--primary); border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 1rem 1.25rem; margin: 1.5rem 0; }.callout p { color: var(--primary-dark); margin-bottom: 0; font-style: italic; }.bullet-list { list-style: none; margin: 0 0 1.5rem; }.bullet-list li { padding: 4px 0 4px 1.5rem; position: relative; font-size: 14px; color: var(--muted); }.bullet-list li::before { content: ''; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 10px; width: 7px; height: 7px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--primary); }.scale-grid { list-style: none; margin: 0 0 1.5rem; }.scale-item { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 1rem; padding: 0.75rem 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); }.scale-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; }.scale-num { width: 32px; height: 32px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif; flex-shrink: 0; color: #fff; }.scale-content { flex: 1; }.scale-content strong { font-size: 14px; display: block; margin-bottom: 2px; color: var(--dark); }.scale-content span { font-size: 13px; color: var(--muted); }.proof-box { background: #f8f8f8; border-radius: 12px; padding: 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; }.proof-stat { font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--primary); font-family: 'Lora', serif; display: block; }.proof-label { font-size: 13px; color: var(--muted); }.stat-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 0.75rem; margin: 1.25rem 0; }@media (max-width: 500px) { .stat-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }.upsell-box { background: var(--accent-light); border: 1.5px solid var(--accent); border-radius: 12px; padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem; margin: 2rem 0; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 1rem; }.upsell-box-text { flex: 1; }.upsell-box-text p { color: #5a4200; margin-bottom: 0.25rem; font-size: 14px; }.upsell-box-text strong { font-size: 15px; color: #3a2800; display: block; margin-bottom: 0.25rem; }.upsell-link { display: inline-block; background: var(--primary); color: #fff !important; font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 600; padding: 10px 18px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none !important; white-space: nowrap; }.faq-item { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); padding: 1rem 0; }.faq-q { font-weight: 500; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0.4rem; color: var(--dark); }.faq-a { font-size: 13px; color: var(--muted); line-height: 1.6; }.print-box { background: var(--secondary-light); border: 1px solid var(--secondary); border-radius: 12px; padding: 1rem 1.25rem; margin: 1.5rem 0; }.print-box p { color: #005a99; margin-bottom: 0; font-size: 14px; }.disclaimer { background: #f8f8f8; border-radius: 8px; padding: 1rem 1.25rem; margin-top: 2rem; }.disclaimer p { font-size: 11px; color: #999; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0; }.ot-credit { text-align: center; font-size: 12px; color: #999; margin-top: 1.5rem; }\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"sp\"\u003e\n\n  \u003ch1 style=\"font-family:'Lora',serif;font-size:clamp(1.5rem,3.5vw,2.1rem);font-weight:600;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.75rem;\"\u003ePool Feelings Scale for Autistic Children: Visual Emotions Chart for Swimming Lessons\u003c\/h1\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size:16px;color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:1.5rem;\"\u003eA simple 1 to 5 visual scale that gives autistic children and children with sensory differences a way to communicate how they are feeling at the pool before overwhelm escalates. Print it, laminate it, keep it in the swim bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"callout\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\"She pointed to a 4 before we even got to the pool steps. We took a break, she reset, and we had the best lesson we had ever had. This one page changed how we do swim day.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eWhat this is\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eMeltdowns at the pool often happen because children have no way to say they are struggling\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIn our work as paediatric occupational therapists, we see this pattern constantly. A child arrives at the pool already stressed. The noise builds. The sensory load increases. The child has no words for what they are feeling or no confidence that anyone will respond. By the time the distress is visible, it has already escalated beyond what a quick break can fix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe Pool Feelings Scale solves this by giving children a simple, visual way to communicate their level of distress before it becomes a crisis. They point to a number. You respond. The lesson continues or pauses accordingly. It is one of the most effective tools I use in clinic, and this version is designed specifically for the pool environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"print-box\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eScreenshot it to your phone before swim day. Show your child how to use it at home first so it feels familiar and safe when you arrive at the pool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eThe scale\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eFive levels. Clear language. Immediate response guide for parents.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cul class=\"scale-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cli class=\"scale-item\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"scale-num\" style=\"background:#4caf50;\"\u003e1\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"scale-content\"\u003e\n          \u003cstrong\u003eAll good. I am ready.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n          \u003cspan\u003eParent response: keep going. You can continue with the lesson as normal.\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli class=\"scale-item\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"scale-num\" style=\"background:#8bc34a;\"\u003e2\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"scale-content\"\u003e\n          \u003cstrong\u003eA little nervous. I can join in.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n          \u003cspan\u003eParent response: stay close. Move nearer and offer quiet encouragement.\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli class=\"scale-item\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"scale-num\" style=\"background:#ffc107;\"\u003e3\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"scale-content\"\u003e\n          \u003cstrong\u003eGetting wobbly. I am not sure.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n          \u003cspan\u003eParent response: slow down. Give space and extra time before the next step.\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli class=\"scale-item\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"scale-num\" style=\"background:#ff9800;\"\u003e4\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"scale-content\"\u003e\n          \u003cstrong\u003eNeed a break. I am worried.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n          \u003cspan\u003eParent response: pause immediately. Take a break out of the pool. Regulation comes first.\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli class=\"scale-item\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"scale-num\" style=\"background:#f44336;\"\u003e5\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"scale-content\"\u003e\n          \u003cstrong\u003eStop now. I cannot cope.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n          \u003cspan\u003eParent response: stop and leave. The lesson ends here. Return only when your child signals they are ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eWhy it works\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eGiving children agency reduces the distress that causes meltdowns\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eOne of the core reasons autistic children escalate quickly at the pool is that they feel no control over what happens to them. The lesson moves at the instructor's pace. Transitions happen without warning. Sensory input builds without acknowledgement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eWhen a child has a feelings scale in their hand, that changes. They have a tool. They know someone is watching. They know pointing to a number will produce a response. That sense of agency is genuinely regulating, and it means distress is expressed and addressed long before it becomes a crisis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eShare this scale with the swim instructor too. When the whole team is responding to the same signals, the child's experience at the pool becomes dramatically more consistent and safe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eFor any child who struggles to communicate distress at the pool\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cul class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eAutistic children who find verbal communication difficult under stress\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eChildren with sensory processing differences who escalate quickly at the pool\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eChildren who have had meltdowns at swimming lessons and lost confidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eFamilies who want a simple, low cost tool to add to the swim bag today\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eSwim instructors who want a clear signal system to use with sensory-sensitive students\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eAbout this resource\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eCreated by paediatric occupational therapists at EquipKids, Melbourne\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"stat-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"proof-box\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"proof-stat\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"proof-label\"\u003ePage. Print it, laminate it, keep it in the swim bag every week\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"proof-box\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"proof-stat\"\u003e5\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"proof-label\"\u003eClear levels with child language and immediate parent response guidance\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"proof-box\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"proof-stat\"\u003eOT\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"proof-label\"\u003eBuilt on the zones of regulation framework used in paediatric OT practice\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe feelings scale format is one of the most widely used tools in paediatric occupational therapy for supporting emotional regulation in children with autism and sensory differences. This version is designed specifically for the pool environment, with language and response guidance written for parents and swim instructors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003ePart of a bigger system\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eThis tool works even better as part of a complete swimming confidence framework\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"upsell-box\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"upsell-box-text\"\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eThrive in the Water Complete Swim Confidence Pack — AU$49.99\u003c\/strong\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eIncludes this feelings scale plus the full 33 page OT ebook, 5 practical how-to guides, a visual social story, and two routine strips. Everything from home preparation to lesson day in one complete pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;margin-top:4px;\"\u003eSave AU$44.93 compared to buying everything separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mytheraplaybox.com.au\/products\/thrive-in-the-water-complete-swim-confidence-pack\" class=\"upsell-link\"\u003eSee the full pack\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eWhat parents ask about the feelings scale\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-q\"\u003eHow do I introduce the feelings scale to my child?\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-a\"\u003eShow it to your child at home first, away from the pool. Go through each level together and practice pointing to numbers in calm, low-pressure moments. The guide includes a parent tip to screenshot it to your phone and review it together before leaving for swim day. Familiarity with the tool at home makes it usable at the pool.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-q\"\u003eWhat if my child points to a 4 or 5 every time?\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-a\"\u003eThat is valuable information, not failure. It tells you your child's current threshold for the pool environment and where preparation work needs to happen. The Thrive in the Water ebook and the My Child Won't Go Near Water guide both address how to build comfort gradually when the pool feels overwhelming.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-q\"\u003eCan I share this with the swim instructor?\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-a\"\u003eYes, and I would encourage it. Print a copy for the instructor so they are responding to the same signals you are. Consistency between parent and instructor makes the tool significantly more effective.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-q\"\u003eIs this suitable for non-verbal children?\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-a\"\u003eYes. The scale is designed to work without words. The child simply points to a number. No verbal communication is required, which is exactly why it works well for autistic children who find verbal expression difficult under stress.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-q\"\u003eHow do I receive it?\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"faq-a\"\u003eInstantly after purchase you will receive a download link by email. PDF format. Print at home or at a print shop and laminate for durability. Screenshot the scale to your phone so you always have it with you at the pool.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"disclaimer\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Pool Feelings Scale is an educational resource designed to support families of autistic children and children with sensory processing differences. It is not a substitute for professional occupational therapy or medical advice. Always seek personalised advice from a qualified therapist for your child's unique needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cp class=\"ot-credit\"\u003eCreated by the clinical team at EquipKids Occupational Therapy, Melbourne · mytheraplaybox.com.au\u003cbr\u003e© 2025 MyTheraPlayBox. All rights reserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MyTheraPlayBox","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51597134037304,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0815\/0335\/5192\/files\/47.png?v=1779848905","url":"https:\/\/mytheraplaybox.com.au\/products\/pool-feelings-scale-autistic-children","provider":"MyTheraPlayBox","version":"1.0","type":"link"}