An unique experience for me as an instructor

[tstormdiver]

I didn't even think about this or its importance, until this morning, so I thought I would share something that happened yesterday. Whilst helping with the Boy Scout troop we had for Try Scuba yesterday at Pennyroyal Quarry. We had 1 lad that had severe Autism. If everything was not perfect for him, he would just simply breakdown into a crying fit. Well,... with Try Scubas, things rarely fit well, if at all. He was really having a very difficult time with that. We got him into the water, & knowing his problems, I decided to take him 1 on 1. I knew there was no way I would be able to do any skills with him & that to truly get him underwater would be impossible without him freaking out. So,... I inflated his BC, had him put his regulator in & I swam him along the reeds on the surface along the side of the quarry. I held onto his arm & he clutched my arm for security. We saw all kinds of small baby fish,... then we saw one of the "big boy" bass swim by. At fist he was scared, but when I pointed it out to him & the fish swam away, then he was thrilled,... once he saw it was not a threat. He then squealed with excitement through his regulator,... & thought even that was cool! I swam him for about 10 minutes along those reeds & just let him enjoy himself. When I told him that he got to see one of the big bass that the others had not seen, he was beside himself. He really enjoyed it! & even wanted to go again (unfortunately, we still had 25+ other boys to work with).. His parents were amazed at how much fun he had. Amazing how sometimes the simple things can make someone's day great! Anyway. that was a great beginning to a very busy day.:blinking:

 

[shoredivr]

That is a life building experience for him and you... Well done to go at his pace!

 

[freewillie]

Very neat experience. As a parent it is really neat to watch kids experience and enjoy new activities. But it does take a certain level of patience. Some kids get it quickly, others more slowly. Some are more adventurous, some are very timid. Regardless of their skill and demeanor the thrill is gratifying for all.

 

[Doc]

Welcome to that rewarding and surprising world!

One of the established, real deal operations: Diveheart Foundation Official Website

Some kids actually have better days when they sense the compression of a wetsuit. Ask a medical expert why that is, all I know is that it happens.

I have done a lot of Bubblemaker type stuff. When But, when I work with Autisic kids and similar, I have learned that we must do the mask with regulator drill- way away from the pool. Otherwise, almost universally, as soon as the reg gets in their mouth, boom- they instantly duck their heads underwater. We now do it way away from the water.

No fear, only wonderment.

 

[tstormdiver]

Welcome to that rewarding and surprising world!

One of the established, real deal operations: Diveheart Foundation Official Website

Some kids actually have better days when they sense the compression of a wetsuit. Ask a medical expert why that is, all I know is that it happens.

My hope is to some day take the course & earn an adaptive scuba instructor certification. It is needed in my local area. Just got to get the time & the $ together.

 

[Wolfie_47]

Well done!

[h=1]"A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child."[/h] Author: unknown
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[pasley]

You had a magical experience. Helping another individual enjoy a day is a major accomplishment. Some of the fun times I have enjoyed are putting on a Discover SCUBA at the California School for the Blind, Helping out doing essentially what you did at a wheelchair camp for children, and of course teaching individuals with disabilities including blind, paraplegic, quadriplegic, multiple limb amputee and more. The look in someone's eyes when you tell them they can scuba dive when they can do nothing more than shake their head yes and no. The joy in the voice of a certain young lady who I have never met, when on the phone I told her she could still SCUBA dive after a tragic accident was worth the cost of my certification with the Handicapped SCUBA Association International (HSA) www.hsascuba.com

Find a class near you and get trained. You will have so much fun.

Motto: Two things matter. 1. At the end of the day are you happy with yourself? 2. Have you done something today to help someone else? If you can say Yes to both, then it is a great day. If not, try to do better tomorrow.

 

[Zeagle Eagle]

I didn't even think about this or its importance, until this morning, so I thought I would share something that happened yesterday. Whilst helping with the Boy Scout troop we had for Try Scuba yesterday at Pennyroyal Quarry. We had 1 lad that had severe Autism. If everything was not perfect for him, he would just simply breakdown into a crying fit. Well,... with Try Scubas, things rarely fit well, if at all. He was really having a very difficult time with that. We got him into the water, & knowing his problems, I decided to take him 1 on 1. I knew there was no way I would be able to do any skills with him & that to truly get him underwater would be impossible without him freaking out. So,... I inflated his BC, had him put his regulator in & I swam him along the reeds on the surface along the side of the quarry. I held onto his arm & he clutched my arm for security. We saw all kinds of small baby fish,... then we saw one of the "big boy" bass swim by. At fist he was scared, but when I pointed it out to him & the fish swam away, then he was thrilled,... once he saw it was not a threat. He then squealed with excitement through his regulator,... & thought even that was cool! I swam him for about 10 minutes along those reeds & just let him enjoy himself. When I told him that he got to see one of the big bass that the others had not seen, he was beside himself. He really enjoyed it! & even wanted to go again (unfortunately, we still had 25+ other boys to work with).. His parents were amazed at how much fun he had. Amazing how sometimes the simple things can make someone's day great! Anyway. that was a great beginning to a very busy day.:blinking:

As an ex scoutmaster...Thank you for making a difference.

 

[Goodtime Adventures]

Sounds like an awesome experience. It may have made for a busier day for you afterwards, but its something that boy (and most likely, you) will never forget, and such a great thing that he was not excluded because of his condition.

Having taught an autistic student in the past, I get everything you are saying about the frustration they feel and the panic and upset suffered by factors beyond their control. Well done for taking the time and effort to make his day. Hats off to you

 

[nolatom]

Onya!!