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Helping young autistic girl conquer swim fear

Posted onPosted on 11th Oct

A Sutton girl has overcome her fear of swimming, thanks to the help of a leisure centre.

Eight-year-old Frankie Walters was diagnosed with autism, a sensory processing disorder, earlier this year.

She was overwhelmed by water and her family said having baths and showers were a nightmare.

But through the help of Anna Wood, her swim teacher at Lammas Leisure Centre, Sutton — which is managed by Everyone Active, in partnership with Ashfield District Council — Frankie has made remarkable progress.

The pupil at Leamington Primary and Nursery Academy has developed her swimming ability in front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke.

She is now comfortable to have her face under the water, and has moved up a swimming grade.

Frankie’s mother, Samantha Walters, said: “I’m amazed at her progress and so happy she is enjoying the water.

“She has a fantastic relationship with Anna, who has taken the time to get to know her on a personal level — to the point Frankie doesn’t want to swim with anyone else.

“Her new-found confidence is great for holidays because she can have fun, be safe and enjoy swimming.”

Alistair Gould, sales manager at the Lammas, said: “It’s fantastic to see this sort of progress made and hear about stories like Frankie at Lammas.

“It is an amazing achievement. We are proud to be able to teach a life skill to such a huge range of individuals.”

Louise Beilby, swim lesson manager for Everyone Active, added: “Frankie has been moved up a swim stage. She confidently swims and is a joy to teach.

“She has come on so much and is a credit to all children who struggle or lack confidence in swimming.

“She has also jumped into deeper water — a huge deal.”

Frankie and her family will also join the Twilight Swimming scheme – a swimming lesson designed to bring together families and friends of people who have autism — at Hucknall Leisure Centre.