As two former swimmers of Harvard Varsity Swimming and Diving, Claire Lin (HMS MS1) and Luca Hensch (HMS MS1) could use their award-winning skills to teach competitive swimmers. However, they’ve found a group of swimmers (and non-swimmers) who are not only enriching their medical education but their sense of purpose.  

Hensch and Lin run the Crimson Adaptive Swim Program that pairs volunteers with people who are neurodiverse to create individualized sessions. Participants in the program range in age from 6 months old to adult and each one comes to the pool with unique abilities, needs, and ambitions. 

“Participants’ goals range from increasing their social engagement and getting out of their comfort zone to general water safety and learning to swim,” said Lin. “We work hard to connect with the families and the participants early on [in the process] to best tailor that hour in the water that we have with them each week.” 

That’s exactly what the program volunteers did for one participant who has autism spectrum disorder. Initially, he had an extreme apprehension of the water. Then the instructors found out about his special interest in science and chemistry.  

“We were able to use that as a point of connection,” says Lin. “We began with that to then become a point of trust.” Over time the participant’s comfort in the water increased bit by bit. Today, he not only feels comfortable putting his face under water, but is learning swimming techniques.  

“There are days when he arrives and is more interested in getting his laps in than talking about chemistry,” says Hensch. “This program is great for caregivers too, because it’s a chance for them to see their loved ones flourish and it reminds them how able they really are.” 

How it started: The beginnings of The Crimson Adaptive Swim Program

Hensch’s mother, Dr. Michela Fagiolini, is a researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital and studies Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to the loss of skills including cognitive, sensory, and motor. In 2016, she and Hensch were able to combine their passions to create an impactful program.  

“Very early on, the program was focused on creating an experience for these very physically limited individuals,” says Hensch. “Being in the water was a therapeutic avenue that allowed them to engage in fun enriching activities with people who were a similar age to them.”  

After a lull in programming due to the pandemic, the Crimson Adaptive Swim Program returned with an enhanced format.  

“[Timing of the revamp] coincided with when Luca and I were graduating from [Harvard] College, were finishing up our own swim careers, and looking for ways to harness our love for swimming as a way for us to serve others,” says Lin. “We came back to the program with the goal to expand it and connect with communities beyond those with Rett syndrome.” 

How it’s going: Serving diverse communities, needs 

Today, the program has served more than 80 people with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Participants have found the program through word of mouth and Hensch and Lin’s efforts to network with clinicians serving these patient populations.  

“Having been able to work with these individuals, hold them in my arms, and have conversations with [them]— has positively shaped my understanding of what medicine can be,” says Hensch. “I carry the lessons that I’ve learned from this program with me every day.” 

If you have an interest in volunteering with the Crimson Adaptive Swim Program or would like to inquire about registering as a participant, email adaptiveswim617@gmail.com.