swimming=sensory calmness

SJ has always loved the water.  He loves baths, sprinklers and swimming pools.  Ironically, he doesn't like rain, because he feels that he can only get wet when he is in the correct environment.  It is completely fine for him to be wet in the tub.  It is fine for him to be wet anytime that would require him to be in a bathing suit.  We went to our local pool yesterday for a few hours.  SJ is almost typical when he is swimming.  He is happy.  He is engaging.  He and Bob were practicing pencil dives and cannonballs off the dive block.  This is one of the few places that I can experience them interacting as true brothers.  It is a joy to watch.  My husband and I were sitting on our blanket reading and SJ was hollering for him to come in.  As I was watching them swim together, it could have been any Dad and son.  Not necessarily a Dad with his special needs son.  SJ tends to be less hyper after swimming.  I often thought being submerged in the water shocks his nervous system with a calming presence.  I don't have any scientific proof of this effect, but only as an observer of SJ.  For any kids out there with PDD, I say take your kids to the pool.  It is definitely an experiment worth trying.