{"product_id":"swimming-visual-supports-autistic-children","title":"Swimming Visual Supports for Autistic Children: Social Story and Routine Strips","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\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); }.includes-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 0.75rem; margin: 1.25rem 0; }@media (max-width: 640px) { .includes-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }.includes-card { border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 10px; padding: 1rem 1.25rem; }.includes-card h3 { font-size: 0.95rem; font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif; font-weight: 600; color: var(--primary); margin-bottom: 0.4rem; }.includes-card p { font-size: 13px; color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 0; }.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\u003cdiv class=\"sp\"\u003e\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;\"\u003eSwimming Visual Supports for Autistic Children: Social Story and Routine Strips\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 16px; color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003eA print-ready visual support pack including a swimming social story and two routine strips to help autistic children and children with sensory differences know exactly what to expect at the pool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"callout\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"We read it together every morning before swim day. By the time we got to the pool he already knew what was coming. That changed everything.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eWhat this is\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVisual supports reduce anxiety by making the unknown known\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most consistent findings in our work with autistic children is that anxiety around swimming is rarely about the water itself. It is about not knowing what comes next. The noise, the change of clothes, the unfamiliar instructor, the unpredictable splashing. When a child cannot predict what is about to happen, their nervous system goes into protection mode before they have even arrived at the pool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisual supports work because they give children a way to rehearse the experience in their minds before it happens. A social story that walks through the swimming visit step by step, combined with a routine strip that shows exactly what to pack and what the lesson sequence looks like, removes the uncertainty that drives so much of the distress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pack gives you all three tools, ready to print and use straight away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"print-box\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrint and laminate the routine strips for the swim bag. Read the social story together the night before and on the morning of swim day. These are designed to be used repeatedly, not once.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eWhat is included\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThree visual tools in one pack\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"includes-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"includes-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSwimming Social Story\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 6 page illustrated social story walking through a full swimming visit from arrival to finish. Written in simple first person language with real photos. Covers going to the pool, looking first, sitting near the water, touching the water, going in with help, and finishing feeling proud.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"includes-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMy Pool Routine Strip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA visual sequence showing the 7 steps of the pool visit: go to pool, look, sit, touch water, in with help, lesson time, finished. Designed to be printed, laminated, and kept in the swim bag or on the fridge. Gives children a clear picture of what the whole visit looks like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"includes-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMy Packing Up Routine Strip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA visual sequence showing the 7 steps of packing the swim bag: towel, goggles, swimming togs, drink bottle, change of clothes, zip and go. Reduces the stress of transitions by making the preparation routine predictable and child-led.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eHow to use them\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSimple to use, designed to be used over and over\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead the social story together the night before swim day and again on the morning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrint and laminate the routine strips so they last the whole term\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the pool routine strip in the swim bag so your child can refer to it at the pool\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse the packing strip to give your child ownership of getting ready independently\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoint to each step as you go rather than narrating verbally, the visual does the work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFor children who need to know what is coming before they can feel safe\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAutistic children who struggle with transitions and unpredictable environments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren with sensory processing differences who need preparation before new experiences\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren who respond well to visual information over verbal instruction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFamilies who want a simple, low-effort tool they can use every single week\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren at any stage of their swimming journey, from first visit to regular lessons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\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\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"stat-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"proof-box\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"proof-stat\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"proof-label\"\u003eVisual tools included: social story, pool routine strip, packing routine strip\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"proof-box\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"proof-stat\"\u003ePrint\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"proof-label\"\u003eReady to print and laminate. Designed to be used every week, not just once\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"proof-box\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"proof-stat\"\u003eOT\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"proof-label\"\u003eBuilt on evidence based visual support strategies used in paediatric OT practice\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisual supports are one of the most evidence based strategies in paediatric occupational therapy for reducing anxiety and supporting autistic children through transitions. This pack brings that clinical tool directly into your hands in a format that is ready to use today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003ePart of a bigger system\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis pack is one piece of a complete swimming confidence framework\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\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 visual supports pack plus the full 33 page OT ebook, 5 practical how-to guides, and a feelings scale your child can use at the pool to signal overwhelm before it escalates.\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\u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-label\"\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat parents ask about this pack\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-q\"\u003eWhat is a social story for swimming?\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA social story is a short, illustrated narrative that walks a child through a specific situation before it happens. For swimming, it describes the visit step by step in simple first-person language, so the child can mentally rehearse what to expect. This reduces the uncertainty that drives anxiety at the pool.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-q\"\u003eDo visual supports actually work for autistic children at swimming?\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-a\"\u003eYes. Visual supports are one of the most well evidenced strategies in paediatric occupational therapy for supporting autistic children through transitions and new environments. When children can see what is coming next, their nervous system does not need to stay on high alert. The result is a calmer, more engaged child at the pool.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-q\"\u003eWhat age are these designed for?\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-a\"\u003eThe social story and routine strips are designed for children aged approximately 3 to 10, though older children who respond well to visual supports will find them equally useful. The simple language and clear visuals make them accessible for a wide range of abilities.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-q\"\u003eCan I edit the social story to suit my child?\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-a\"\u003eThe pack is provided as a print-ready PDF. It is not editable, but the content is designed to be broadly applicable to most pool environments and swimming lesson formats.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\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. Laminate the routine strips for durability.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"divider\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"disclaimer\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Swimming Visual Supports for Autistic Children 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\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\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MyTheraPlayBox","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52428905873720,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0815\/0335\/5192\/files\/thumbnailphotos_8.png?v=1779862932","url":"https:\/\/mytheraplaybox.com.au\/products\/swimming-visual-supports-autistic-children","provider":"MyTheraPlayBox","version":"1.0","type":"link"}