Make sure you check out IAHD-Americas and their programs. They are very active in this field and have a lot of resources to draw upon.
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I would argue that autism is not contained in that category.Behavioral health, mental or psychological problems (Panic attack, fear of closed or open spaces)?
Every student with autism spectrum disorder will vary, depending upon their place on the spectrum...
On which of the items on the medical form would one write "Yes" to indicate autism?
The closest one is "Behavioral health, mental or psychological problems (Panic attack, fear of closed or open spaces)?"
I would argue that autism is not contained in that category.
If not that category, which one would fit?
On which of the items on the medical form would one write "Yes" to indicate autism?
The closest one is
I would argue that autism is not contained in that category.
If not that category, which one would fit?
I tell people to read the items carefully and don't put a "yes" down for something for which it is not intended. We have had threads on ScubaBoard in which people have complained that they have to reveal that they once had surgery or a fracture, when the actual wording only calls for "back, arm, or leg problems following" such an event. Similarly, the form asks for "recurrent ear problems," not if you have ever had an ear infection.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Behavioral: The diver’s mental capacity and emotional make-up
are important to safe diving. The student diver must have sufficient
learning abilities to grasp information presented to him by
his instructors, be able to safely plan and execute his own dives
and react to changes around him in the underwater environment.
The student’s motivation to learn and his ability to deal with
potentially dangerous situations are also crucial to safe scuba
diving.
Relative Risk Conditions
• Developmental delay
• History of drug or alcohol abuse
• History of previous psychotic episodes
• Use of psychotropic medications
Severe Risk Conditions
• Inappropriate motivation to dive – solely to please spouse,
partner or family member, to prove oneself in the face of
personal fears
• Claustrophobia and agoraphobia
• Active psychosis
• History of untreated panic disorder
• Drug or alcohol abuse
I agree that this should have been disclosed on the medical form. That said it would be ADA discrimination to out of hand refuse to teach the student...
Autisim is but one of the disabilities that Handicapped SCUBA Association (HSA) ceretifies. Patience and an undersanding of Autism is required and the instructor should be HSA or equivilent certified. PADI and NAUI were both there contributing to the creation of the HSA standards.
Autistic divers do well, in that many experience a change in their life that stays with them after the dive is over. ...
I have been trying to decide what the bigger questions are. It seems there are two:
1) Assuming OW certification, what Asperger and high functioning autistic behaviors would present a danger to self or buddy?
teriandcompany:We too went through the medical form, and there is nothing "technically" there to mark as a YES for autism.
I'm cross-posting this from the instructor forum. I'd love input from anyone!
thx
I began an OW class with a father and his two sons this week. He (dad) had signed up 6 weeks ago with the shop, but did not inform anyone of his son's disabilities (which seems like pretty important information to exclude). When I followed up with them 5 days before the first pool session (I always make sure they are progressing with the bookwork, answer questions, etc), it was then he informed me they were having a little trouble and the boys (20, 24) were autistic. I asked him if he really thought they were capable of completing the course in the basic one-weekend format, and he did.
I have no problem working with them; however, it is clear after one session that determining if they are capable of certifying is something that will not be done in one weekend. Struggles with getting bookwork done (commitment to doing it and comprehension) and following directions in the pool, etc. In fact, I see what may require many, many hours. I also see the need to remove dad from the picture to assess their ability to think and act independently. I do believe the potential is there - and I work with LD kids in the classroom all the time - time, patience, repetition, serial learning, retention...all things I know it will take before even making the call with these guys.
I'm having the discussion with dad next week. I think it's wonderful that he's trying to expose them to as many things as possible, and he definitely puts them first, but I can't see doing something like this on a fast track.
I'd be greatful for any input, insight, experience anyone can pass on in a situation like this!
thanks!