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 For "Billy", the smaller things that most children take for granted, pose a greater challenge. Billy is 5-years- old and suffers from a borderline case of Asperger’s  Syndrome, a milder form of autism. The condition is a developmental disorder that makes the child extremely sensitive to light, sound and touch. He resists cuddling and becomes agitated with the smallest change in his schedule or routine.

     Billy's  mother was concerned for his safety and decided to enroll him in  swimming classes. Billy will receive instruction from Ed Pemberton of Adventureswim, a noted swim instructor that has taught more than 30,000 students to swim.

    “I want him to be able to swim,” said Tiffany, his mother. “I don’t want to him to be in a situation where he could drown.”

     Because Billy needs familiarity in his tasks, his aunt enrolled Billy's cousin, Jake, in the same class.

    Billy is approximately nine months  behind in his development compared to other children his age. Pemberton is careful to slowly introduce the child to the water. Billy and Jake sit on the side of the pool while Pemberton begins the warm-ups. Billy watches Jake and mirrors his actions.

   Pemberton teaches the children by making the lessons fun and jokes with them in a playful manner. He. begins by getting the children to splash water on their chests and arms. Pemberton now asks  the children to splash water on their heads. Jake does as he is asked with glee. Next Pemberton takes a handful of water and gently sprinkles it over Billy's head. The child cringes but never cries. Tiffany watches from the side of the pool and expresses amazement that Billy didn’t cry.

   “I’m surprised he let Mr. Ed do that,” she said. “He hates getting his head wet. We have a hard time getting him to wash his hair. Jake keeps him calm. Otherwise he would run through the door screaming.”  

   As the class proceeds, Billy makes more progress, milestone accomplishments for the child. Perhaps, his biggest achievement is dunking his head under water for a full six seconds.

    “I am amazed he did that,” Tiffany said. “He has really taken to Mr. Ed.”

     Pemberton then gets the two boys to swim across the pool using a water board.  Pemberton takes note of the boys’ coordination as the kick their feet. While Jake’s foot position and kicking appear to be well coordinated, Billy needs to improve. Most children with Asperger’s Syndrome move clumsily with poor coordination. Though his confidence is developing smoothly, still Billy is reluctant and at times whimpers. But, Pemberton is pleased with his progress. 

     Class concludes with Pemberton standing in a huddle with the two boys with some words of encouragement.

      “Good Job, Jake,” said Pemberton. “You did real well, Billy.” 

       Pemberton approaches Tiffany and encourages her to help Billy practice at home by getting him to go under water in the bathtub.

      Tiffany applauds her son for his efforts and progress. She immediately signs him up for another class but, realizes she has challenges ahead of her.

      “It will take a month for him to get used to coming here,” she said. “I will probably have to wait until an hour before we come here to tell him where he is going.”