01/13/09 Swim Meet First 50 Freestyle (and other "firsts")

On 01/13/09, Nicholas swam his first 50 Freestyle (exhibition) for his high school swim team. Not only was it the first time that he swam the 50 Freestyle, but it was also the first time (ever) that he entered the pool from the deck head-first.

Good people make great things happen for Nicholas, a young man who has autism (some would consider his autism as being "severe" on the autism spectrum). Nicholas' outcomes are only as good as the people who work with him. Nicholas is fortunate to have had amazing people in his life.

In this clip, Nicholas' thoughtful swim assistant (Ali), works on NIck's technique, from the time that he enters the pool, until he completes his swim.

On a day to day basis, Ali goes in the water with Nicholas (at the meets, for all of Nicholas' practices, and for all of the most important social celebrations), has amazing swim and teaching skills, and never forgets to celebrate with Nicholas.

You'll also see that in this clip, Nicholas' swim coach (Coach Karl) coaches Nicholas from the deck, as he would any other swimmer. It has been so nice to see this. He is wonderful with Nicholas.

Nicholas respects and listens to his coaches (Coach Karl, Coach Anthony, and Ali), while realizing that the roles are necessary and different for his success.

The swim team, their families, and Nicholas' swim community has been wonderful.

Nicholas' family thanks everyone who makes days like this possible for Nicholas.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Nicholas
• Krishnan
• autism
• learning
• education
• inclusive
• swim
• team
• swimming
• inclusion
• Ali
• McClure
• Coach
• Anthony
• Karl