This week, we’re talking about something every autism parent needs to think about—but many don’t until it’s too late: water safety and wandering. If you’ve ever felt the panic of not knowing where your child went or struggled to keep them safe near water, this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Dr. Molly O’Shea, a pediatrician with the American Academy of Pediatrics, autism mom, and the official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim School. We explore the very real risks around drowning in the autism community and what parents can do to keep their neurodivergent kids safe—starting as early as infancy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why autistic children are at significantly higher risk of drowning
The connection between wandering and sensory-driven curiosity
How kids on the spectrum process water differently
Why swim lessons need to start earlier than most parents realize
How swim programs like Goldfish adapt to neurodivergent learners
Why swimming builds more than safety—it builds confidence and cognitive development
What parents can expect from a sensory-friendly swim program

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Autism Dad Podcast, leave a review, and check out our amazing sponsors below - your support keeps this podcast going strong.

Visit theautismdad.com for more resources, blog posts, and episodes.

Sponsors This Week:

Algonot – NeuroProtek®

A brain-supporting flavonoid supplement developed by a Yale-trained neuroinflammation expert. Supports brain health, immune function, and neuroinflammation.

Save 5% with code ROB5 at algonot.com

Mightier

Created at Boston Children’s Hospital, Mightier helps kids build emotional regulation through biofeedback video games. A helpful tool for autism and ADHD. Save 10% with code theautismdad22

Learn more at mightier.com

Guest Bio:

Dr. Molly O’Shea is a board-certified pediatrician, autism mom, and the official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim School. With over 30 years of experience, she consults nationally on sensory-friendly care and water safety for kids of all developmental profiles.

Goldfish Swim School: goldfishswimschool.com

Host Bio:

Rob Gorski is a single dad to three autistic kids, the voice behind The Autism Dad blog, and host of The Autism Dad Podcast. Rob shares honest, experience-based insights to help families feel more supported and less alone.