The Brightside: YMCA, LCC tailor swim lessons for kids with autism, ADHD, more
Children with disabilities can receive discounted one-on-one swimming lessons at the YMCA of Southwest Washington thanks to a new program developed by Lower Columbia College students.
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Kids with neurotypical conditions like autism and ADHD are at higher risk of drowning, but they are also more likely to find group lessons overwhelming, Longview YMCA Aquatic Director Kymbrly McGee said.
One-on-one lessons offer fewer distractions, she said. It's also easier for the instructor to adjust to the student's needs, such as by moving to a warmer pool if the usual water temperature is distressing.
A 2017 study by the Columbia University Mailman School of Health also found that children with autism are 160 times as likely to die by drowning as the general pediatric population.
Along with her work at the YMCA, McGee is a second-year student in LCC's Organizational Leadership and Technical Management bachelor's program. She and a group of classmates helped develop the program for a class project that asked students to find ways to make a change in their community.
Several people in the group knew people who are neurodivergent, and McGee suggested swimming lessons based on her observations of children who struggle to fit in during the YMCA's regular lessons.
YMCA CEO Janine Manny said the class is for any child who has a condition that prevents them from taking group swimming lesson.
McGee said some neurodivergent kids find crowded pools uncomfortably loud, or struggle to focus on lessons when multiple students compete for the instructor's attention.
"In private lessons, we're able to take that away," she said.
YMCA Swim lesson
Daniel Divine, 9, and instructor Amy McGlothen swim during a lesson at the YMCA of Southwest Washington on Wednesday, April 29, in Longview.
Finding peace in the pool
Becca Divine, of Longview, said her 9-year-old son's confidence has skyrocketed since he started his one-on-one swim lessons with McGee and other instructors.
That confidence may start in the pool, but extends far beyond.
Daniel hasn't been diagnosed with a specific disorder, his mom said, but he has special needs after suffering the trauma of a house fire years ago.
McGee noticed Daniel needed extra support right away, Divine said.
Just about four weeks into the lessons, Divine said she can already see a difference.
"When he got into the water with Kym at the YMCA, it's like seeing him come alive again," she said.
He tried soccer, but it wasn't for him. In the individual sport of swimming, he flourishes.
Daniel is at peace in the pool, Divine said.
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Unique program
The program is funded by a grant from United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties, allowing the nonprofit to offer one-on-one lessons at the same price as its group lessons.
Group lessons at the YMCA cost $45 for members and $65 for non-members. Private lessons normally cost $90 for members and $130 for non-members. Each course consists of four 30-minute sessions.
The YMCA has been offering the discounted lessons for about four months and currently has eight students enrolled, McGee said.
Manny estimates 50 children could benefit from the grant paying for the lessons.
With the one-on-one lessons, parents say their children are more confident swimmers, McGee added, and they feel safer taking them to areas near water.
"It's a very good program," she said. "There isn't one like it in Longview or Kelso."
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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 4:27 AM.