Why are People with Autism Drawn to Water?
While no studies have been done on why people with autism tend to be drawn to water more often than other individuals, there is substantial anecdotal evidence of the fascination with water among the autism community.
Here are a few quotes from various online forums compiled in a BBC blog talking about people with autism being drawn to water:
“I am kind of obsessed with flowing water. Nifty water features and mountain streams are like an on switch for happy. I can stare at them for ages. Even better if I can get down to the water and wade in it, play in it, float things in it, splash in it. Mountain streams are the best though – the water is always cold and clear. Fountains can be good, but they are often warm, which isn’t nearly as good.”
“I love waterfalls, running streams when I go 4×4 wheel driving; it’s so soothing and relaxes me. When I was young Mum and Dad used to put me in the bath to settle me down even as I got older and if I have a meltdown I go and have a shower or, if I’m at Mum and Dad’s or my friends’ house, they go fill the bath up and I sit in the bath listening to my music. [In] about half an hour I’m back to normal.”
They also pointed out that this affinity for water is not universal:
“I don’t know where they got this from. I’m not drawn to water, I never even drink water. I prefer juice or milk or coke or other drinks like that.”
The important points to understand are that autism affects sensory processing, but that it affects people’s sensory perception differently. It is important to understand these differences.
For instance, Robyn Steward, an individual with autism who trains professionals about the disorder and who was featured in the same BBC blog, shared:
“I’ve had clients who have refused to have showers, it can feel like being pelted by little golf balls, but they have enjoyed a bath as water isn’t being fired at them. Others might hate it as it could make them feel like they’re on a ship. It’s all sensory.” -Robyn Steward
Realizing how much of a range there can be for the experience of these individuals is the first step to being able to understand and help them have the best experience possible.
For many families with a child on the autism spectrum, what is important for them is to help their child experience something new and different under circumstances that are somewhat controlled and designed for their child to feel comfortable.
Learning new skills and increasing the potential of what is achievable for that child is a constant goal and challenge for many of these families.
Scuba diving and other water-related activities are not a good fit for for all individuals with autism, but for those who have a water affinity or who are calmed by water, it can have a therapeutic effect and help them gain a new skill that they truly enjoy.
JUN