Never did I think we would spend two hours at the local pool!

My son is Autistic and can experience sensory overload. As his mum I need to pre plan and prepare as much as I possibly can. I know our days work better if he knows what’s ahead as much as possible.

I can get anxious as I just don’t know how any moment may go. Sometimes a “sure win” will not work at all and other times surprise me immensely. The joy of motherhood right?

Preparing Seth for an activity such as swimming that has a high chance of being loud and over stimulation is the key ingredient to a successful day. I also need to manage me as best I can. Because if I’m not feeling full with my own needs met it can all just fall apart before we leave the house.

We recently used Cérge at a local animal farm and it was amazing so I trusted Cerge to help me through an Aquatic Centre. We chose Watermarc Banyule because it’s an incredible place and I knew Seth would love it.

We notified Watermarc Banyule that we were on our way :) Seth was asking me questions and I felt good knowing he was interested. We parked the car, which is always a stress. So we took a walk and calmed our nerves.

When we entered we were greeted by the staff and made to feel very welcome. It’s a fine line between welcome and over the top but they were great and it all felt very normal rather than trying to make a big deal and treat me “special”. I’m not one to like a fuss over us, that would give me more anxiety.

We wandered into the pool and the place felt so calm, it was amazing. Seth was able to practice his floating and swimming and we were in the water for two hours! UNHEARD OF!!!!

I have a younger child so the 1-1 time with Seth is crucial to our connection and filling his cup. It was so much fun! We ended our swim and felt really good inside and out.

Seth said he wanted to come back as he really enjoyed it and now that is a WIN!