He’s five years old and he wants to know how everything works. He loves cars, trains, computers and swimming. 

His mum Michelle says he is a “complete water baby who spends most of his time in the pool underwater”, but this wasn’t always the case.   

Samuel used to be fearful of swimming and particularly hated getting his face wet; this was compounded by his diagnosis of White-Sutton Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing autism and Global Development Delay, including gross motor delays.  

Samuel and his mum worked closely with his therapy services team who encouraged them to apply for the Ability WA Sports and Recreation Scholarship. Funded by Ability WA’s generous donors, this special initiative aimed to reduce barriers for children with disabilities to participate in the sports or recreation activities they love. 

The scholarship funded six months of swimming lessons for Samuel, and while Michelle expected the swimming lessons would build Samuel’s strength and skills in the pool, she didn’t expect how these lessons would improve his confidence out of the pool, too! 

Michelle says, “Not only was Samuel able to participate in school swimming with his classmates this year, he was actually around the same level as his peers, didn’t need any special assistance and passed his level. 

Since he needs support in every other aspect of his school life, it has been amazing for his confidence.” 

And what does Samuel say? 

“I love jumping in and going underwater!”