My Son's first swim meet- *Warning: Parental Bias*

Mosbonian · 04-30-2005, 08:32 PM

As most of you who are regulars know, my son has been diagnosed with Asperger's Autism, which is what is considered a "high-functioning" form of Autism. Still, it has been a bit of a struggle helping him to find a sport he likes and can do with some sort of capability that keeps him from getting discouraged or made fun of by the other kids. One thing he has always been able to do naturally is swimming, so we have encouraged that as much as possible.

Well, earlier this year my wife was told of a swim club/class begin held here in Columbia at MU for kids who are physically or mentally challenged that trains them for Special Olympics competition. We enrolled Jacob with the thought of putting him in the Beginner's class to have trained correctly, but were informed that his skill level (even though he never received any formal training) was more on the Advanced level. So he has been training with kids 3 or more years older than him who have been in competition for several years. (A couple actually swim on one of the local high school swim teams).

Today was the Sectional's qualifying meet held at Bridger Junior High in Independence. Any of the kids who medal qualify for the State Special Olympics which will be held here in Columbia. The goal for my wife and I was just to let him compete and learn from the experience. Little did we know....or believe...especially since his I, his father, only managed to medal in the Boat Anchor Division.

He was scheduled to swim in 3 different races....the 50 Meter backstroke, the 50 meter Freestyle, and the 4x25 Mixed Relay. I got there about a half hour before he was supposed to swim, and when i arrived I was as nervous as anyone, while my son was as calm as could be.

con't....

04-30-2005, 08:32 PM	Topic Starter
Mosbonian On Hiatus Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $1099700	My Son's first swim meet- Warning: Parental Bias As most of you who are regulars know, my son has been diagnosed with Asperger's Autism, which is what is considered a "high-functioning" form of Autism. Still, it has been a bit of a struggle helping him to find a sport he likes and can do with some sort of capability that keeps him from getting discouraged or made fun of by the other kids. One thing he has always been able to do naturally is swimming, so we have encouraged that as much as possible. Well, earlier this year my wife was told of a swim club/class begin held here in Columbia at MU for kids who are physically or mentally challenged that trains them for Special Olympics competition. We enrolled Jacob with the thought of putting him in the Beginner's class to have trained correctly, but were informed that his skill level (even though he never received any formal training) was more on the Advanced level. So he has been training with kids 3 or more years older than him who have been in competition for several years. (A couple actually swim on one of the local high school swim teams). Today was the Sectional's qualifying meet held at Bridger Junior High in Independence. Any of the kids who medal qualify for the State Special Olympics which will be held here in Columbia. The goal for my wife and I was just to let him compete and learn from the experience. Little did we know....or believe...especially since his I, his father, only managed to medal in the Boat Anchor Division. He was scheduled to swim in 3 different races....the 50 Meter backstroke, the 50 meter Freestyle, and the 4x25 Mixed Relay. I got there about a half hour before he was supposed to swim, and when i arrived I was as nervous as anyone, while my son was as calm as could be. con't....
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