What was the initiative?

William’s initiative focused on developing and expanding an Autism Swimming Program in Nova Scotia, Canada, with the goal of improving water safety and physical activity opportunities for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The initiative aimed to address the high incidence of drowning among children with ASD (due to water safety challenges) and to create opportunities for increased physical activity and inclusion. Over the course of the Fellowship, William created an Autism Swim Program Start-up Guide, which includes resources on starting similar programs in other communities. This guide was developed to help other regions avoid starting from scratch and build successful programs based on the lessons learned in the existing program as it scaled across other communities.

What was the community connection?

William’s connection with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community began in September 2017 when he was introduced to the Pictou County ASD swimming program. Collaborating with the local YMCA staff, William and a colleague developed and implemented a Picture Exchange Communication System to enhance communication and tailor swimming lessons for children with ASD. Through this work, they built meaningful relationships with families in the community and became deeply invested in expanding the program to other regions.

How was it innovative?

The initiative was innovative as it provided personalized, 1:1 swimming instruction for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), addressing both water safety and physical activity challenges unique to this population. The program’s individualized approach helped reduce the risk of drowning and build confidence in swimmers. Additionally, the creation of the Autism Swim Program Start-up Guide allowed other communities to replicate the program’s success, offering a roadmap for starting similar initiatives with structured training, assessments, and resources. Continuous feedback from swimmers, parents, and instructors allowed for ongoing evaluation and improvement, ensuring the program remained adaptive and responsive to the needs of the community.

What is William doing now?

William works as a Technical Implementation Associate for Actionable.co. He recently received his registration as a Behaviour Analyst within the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.