The tragic deaths of two autistic, nonverbal children in the Twin Cities area have sparked a renewed urgency to address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by this community. As advocates search for answers, the focus has shifted to exploring solutions, such as swimming lessons, that could help prevent future tragedies. This article delves into the heartbreaking stories, the underlying issues, and the potential steps forward to ensure the safety and well-being of autistic children in the region.

Turning Tragedy into Transformation: Empowering Autistic Children and Their Families

Confronting the Heartbreak: The Devastating Losses that Ignited Change

The recent drownings of two autistic, nonverbal children in the Twin Cities area have left a profound impact on the local community. When Fay Jede heard about the disappearance of an 11-year-old boy with autism in Eden Prairie, her heart sank, as the tragic memories of her own son's passing came rushing back. Just four months earlier, Jede's 4-year-old son, Waeys Mohamed, had wandered from his home and drowned in Minnehaha Creek in Hopkins. The Eden Prairie search for Mohamed Mohamed also ended in tragedy, with the boy's body found in a nearby pond.These heartbreaking incidents have renewed calls for more comprehensive measures to protect autistic children, who experts say are particularly drawn to water and at a higher risk of drowning compared to their neurotypical peers. The statistics are sobering: research at Columbia University found that children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their neurotypical counterparts.

Addressing the Disparities: Racial Inequities in Drowning Rates

The racial disparities in drowning rates are also a significant concern, with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finding that the highest rates are among Black children. This underscores the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses the systemic barriers and discrimination that may hinder access to vital resources and support for families from diverse backgrounds.

Advocating for Change: Grassroots Efforts and Proposed Solutions

In the wake of these tragedies, advocates like Anisa Hagi-Mohamed, a longtime Twin Cities advocate for children on the autism spectrum, have stepped up to propose concrete solutions. Hagi-Mohamed has advocated for swimming lessons to be included as an option in a child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP), recognizing the importance of water safety education and skills for this vulnerable population.Hagi-Mohamed's petition to make swimming lessons available through schools or billable through insurance has garnered over 1,800 signatures, demonstrating the widespread support for this initiative. She acknowledges the barriers that families face, such as the cost of lessons and the systemic discrimination in swimming spaces, and emphasizes the urgent need for accessible and inclusive solutions.

Fostering Partnerships and Legislation: Collaborative Efforts for Lasting Change

The recent drownings have also prompted state Senator Zaynab Mohamed, DFL-Minneapolis, to reach out to Hagi-Mohamed, signaling a potential pathway for legislative action. Hagi-Mohamed's hope is that this tragedy will spark long-lasting changes and lead to the implementation of legislation that will protect all children, regardless of their neurological status.

Empowering Families: Swim School Initiatives and Holistic Approaches

While the legislative process may take time, local organizations like Foss Swim School have been proactively addressing the issue. They offer scholarships for once-a-week swimming lessons, recognizing the importance of water safety education for all children, including those on the autism spectrum.Robert McDonald, Foss's program training manager, emphasizes the need to go beyond just teaching swimming skills. He stresses the importance of helping students and their families understand the inherent dangers of water and develop a healthy respect for it. This approach is particularly crucial for children on the autism spectrum, who may be drawn to the water but lack the necessary awareness and skills to navigate it safely.

Holistic Solutions: Advocating for Comprehensive Safeguards

While swimming lessons are a crucial component, Fay Jede, the mother of Waeys Mohamed, is seeking more comprehensive solutions. She advocates for the installation of fences around open bodies of water in neighborhoods with autistic children, as well as the allowance of special locks on doors to prevent wandering, a common behavior among individuals on the autism spectrum.Jede's personal experience has fueled her determination to ensure that no other parent has to endure the heartbreak she has faced. She is channeling her grief into advocacy, working tirelessly to raise awareness and push for systemic changes that could save lives.As the Twin Cities community grapples with these tragic losses, the call for action has never been more urgent. By addressing the unique needs and vulnerabilities of autistic children, implementing multifaceted safeguards, and fostering collaborative efforts between families, advocates, and policymakers, the region can take meaningful steps towards a future where no child is left behind.