Bradford BSAC member Max Holliday-Rutherford describes his scuba experience as an autistic teenager
DIVINGFORALL
Trearddur Bay dive and camping trip
‘ A sense of calm and peace’
Bradford BSAC member Max Holliday-Rutherford describes his scuba experience as an autistic teenager
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Max’ s first try dive, aged 10
My name is Max, I am 16-years-old and autistic. I had my first try dive at age 10; it was really exciting and scary at the same time. Going to a new club with an SEN( Special Educational Needs) is not always easy, people don’ t always understand how to communicate with me and can often lack patience and awareness. However, my autism doesn’ t need to prevent me from experiencing anything. Diving with SEN can be achieved when your club is responsive to your needs and has awareness. Diving with Bradford BSAC has allowed me to be myself – they have offered a warm welcome and have become an extended family.
Since joining Bradford BSAC, my fellow members have supported me by making dives accessible, working through the ins and outs of a dive, at my pace in a way that I understand, allowing for me to ask questions and try on kit to make sure I am comfortable. Being with Bradford BSAC has helped me to build up my water confidence and skills by making classroom learning accessible, knowing I need regular rest breaks and some additional equipment such as overlays for reading and additional time to ask questions and check understanding.
Since joining Bradford I have accessed lots of new courses and learning, such as first aid, oxygen administration, boat