Uniting Through the Power of Swimming

LISA MISCHE LAWSON’S STORY

Several times a week, Dr. Lisa Mische Lawson can be seen at a local pool, swimming an impressive 4,000 meters, which is roughly two and a half miles. She describes finding solace in the water, where she can block out all distractions and focus solely on the rhythm of her arms and the sound of the water. For her physical and mental well-being, this is an unrivaled form of relaxation.

In addition to her recreational swimming, Lisa also competes in open water swim meets. She approaches these events with a sense of modesty but still takes great pride in her achievements. She has completed a 20 km swim around Key West, with a friend providing support in a kayak. More recently, she participated in a swim from Balta in Gozo back to Malta, which was a more competitive endeavor and saw her place well.

The Importance of the Swim Program

It is not her open water accomplishments or medals that have earned her the admiration of poolside spectators. Instead, it is the special program she and a colleague launched through the KU Medical Center in 2012. This program is designed to teach children with autism how to swim, addressing a critical need that could potentially save lives.

When the program first began, a tragic incident occurred just outside the area they were serving – a child with autism drowned in his neighbor's pond. This event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of their work. According to the National Autism Association, children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than the general pediatric population. Fifty percent of kids with autism have a tendency to wander away from safe places, and among those who do, accidental drownings account for 71% of deaths.

Adapting to the Needs of Autistic Children

Recognizing that children with autism learn differently and may have difficulties with verbal communication and attention in certain environments, the Sensory Enhanced Aquatics Program has been tailored to meet their specific needs. This program has been a huge success, with participants and their families raving about it. Take 5-year-old Jones Wilson, for example.

"Oh my gosh, yes, he looks forward to swim lessons! We come every Monday night, and he loves it. He loves his teachers," Jones' mom Jessica exclaims. She values the independence the program gives her son as he enters the pool with instructors on his own. This gives her peace of mind when it comes to water safety.

Spreading the Love of Swimming

The word about this program has spread far and wide throughout the metro area. Families are traveling more than an hour to attend the specialized classes held at the Lenexa Rec Center, as well as pools in Merriam and Fairway. Enrollment has grown significantly, from 30 kids 12 years ago to currently ranging from 60 to 90 participants per session, running year-round.

Many of the instructors are KU Medical Center students who are involved as part of their occupational therapy curriculum. This allows Lisa to pass on her love of the water not only to the swimmers but also to the student instructors. She explains, "I love swimming, and I want everyone to have the opportunity to love it too. Watching the students light up when they figure out how to teach a child with autism to swim keeps me very motivated."

By using KU Medical Center students, the program is able to keep costs down. They also engage in extensive fundraising to provide scholarships, ensuring that cost is not a barrier for families. To enroll in the Sensory Enhanced Aquatics Program, you can sign up through the Lenexa, Merriam, and Fairway park districts.