Latest news with #AutismSocietyofFlorida
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Children with autism face high drowning risk ahead of Memorial Day, advocates warn
As Memorial Day approaches and families head outdoors, water safety advocates are warning about a growing danger: children with autism drowning at dramatically higher rates. According to the Autism Society of Florida, children on the autism spectrum are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their neurotypical peers. Experts say the risk spikes during warm-weather holidays, when families are more likely to gather near pools, ponds, and beaches. Joani Maskell, owner of Swimming Safari Swim School in Jacksonville, said enrollment has surged ahead of the holiday weekend—particularly among families with children on the spectrum. 'A lot of parents say, 'Just don't go near the water,'' Maskell said. 'But we need to teach them to swim.' >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Swimming Safari offers classes for all ages, starting as early as 4 months. Parents are encouraged to participate alongside their children, helping build comfort and safety skills in the water. 'How do you take your child to the beach if they don't know how to swim?' Maskell said. 'How do you watch them? You need to learn how to swim. Everyone does.' Shannon Hube, an autism advocate and mom, says her son Brock—who is on the spectrum—once walked directly into a body of water before he had swim lessons. 'He was under water in seconds,' she said. 'He doesn't have that fear. He doesn't know to be scared of things.' Many children with autism are naturally drawn to water, yet lack the ability to understand or communicate danger. The Autism Society notes that drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism, and they are almost 40 times more likely to drown than other children. 'He also has a high tolerance for pain,' Hube added. 'So it might take time to realize something hurts.' Last month, a 4-year-old boy with autism drowned in a retention pond in the Baymeadows area. And in 2023, Florida saw 103 child drownings—two of them toddlers with autism, including one in a backyard pool and another in a pond. Advocates say supervision is key. Some suggest adults take turns wearing a 'water watcher' bracelet, serving as a visual reminder of who's actively responsible for watching the children near water. 'Even a retention pond can be a hidden danger,' Maskell said. 'It's not just pools. Any body of water can be a risk.' Parents and caregivers can find swim programs tailored for children with special needs by contacting local swim schools or the Autism Society of Florida. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cameras could soon be allowed in Florida's special needs classrooms
A bill moving through the Florida State legislature would allow cameras to be installed in classrooms for special needs students. If passed, House Bill 257 would authorize video and audio monitoring in all self-contained classrooms that include children with disabilities - with parental permission. Action News Jax Shanila Kabir spoke to advocates who are 100% on board with HB 257. They said this change will make a huge difference in identifying and preventing child abuse in schools. 'Different situations are uncovered and a lot of the time it's because the incident happens on the bus, playground and even hallways where there are cameras. Yet, when the door closes in classrooms, there are no cameras,' said President Stacey Hoaglund with the Autism Society of Florida. Although school is where children are expected to be safe, surrounded by teachers and administrators certified in student safety, Hoaglund said schools can also be a place where vulnerable children are abused. 'These individuals that are doing this to children, they know there is a camera on buses but imagine being in a classroom where the door is closed. Maybe there are two adults in the room but nobody else except them will know what a child had to endure,' said Hoaglund. Read: St. Marys police investigating local daycare over child abuse allegations, unexplained injuries According to the Child Abuse Training and Technical Assistance Center, children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are at a higher risk for sexual abuse - up to ten times the regular rate. Some perpetrators are teachers or mentors who are in a place of power. 'We had one as recent as yesterday on a school bus where the teacher's aide took the child with disabilities by the shoulders and was shaking them.' The bill's sponsor, Representative Chase Tramont, and several other lawmakers have already thrown their support behind this bill. Read: Jacksonville substitute teacher at Tiger Academy YMCA arrested, charged with child abuse House bill 257 pertains only to special needs classrooms. If passed, the bill states parents of children with disabilities can request monitoring their kids' classrooms and all footage would stay available up to three months later to be used as evidence in case harassment/sexual abuse allegations are made. President Stacey Hoaglund said she and the Autism Society are working hard with legislators to make sure this motion passes in 2025. Read: Florida bill would remove child labor regulations, hour restrictions for working teenagers [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
