There is a lot to think about at times— from skills, safety procedures, communication, and equipment checks, to staying calm and focused underwater. So far, I feel I’ ve been handling it really well and continuing to grow in confidence with every session.
For me, it all comes down to practice, practice, practice, and never being afraid to ask questions. Admittedly, I probably ask a few too many questions at times— I’ m sure my instructors Paul De Lane and Ben Strain would laugh at that! But I genuinely believe asking questions and wanting to fully understand things has helped me progress and become more confident as a diver.
The truth is, I am autistic. I was diagnosed during my early years of primary school when I was around four or five years old. Growing up, I struggled socially, found it difficult to retain information at times, and often became overwhelmed in certain situations, leading me to shut myself away.
Now, in 2026, at 26 years old, I feel proud of how far I’ ve come. I continue to push my limits and boundaries, taking on challenges that once felt impossible. My confidence has grown massively over the years.
For the last six years, I have been advocating online through Instagram and Facebook about my autism journey, helping to show other people on the spectrum – and neurodiverse individuals in general – that anything is possible. I’ ve always been determined to challenge expectations and prove that people should never be limited by assumptions others may place on them.
It certainly hasn’ t always been easy. There have been setbacks and difficult
Facing fears with 40m bungee jump and swing
moments, but each time I’ ve picked myself back up and kept moving forward.
Since joining Solway Sub Aqua Club in November 2025, I have attended training every week, steadily working through my modules. I’ m really pleased to say that I am now progressing onto the open water section, with only one module left before becoming a certified BSAC Ocean Diver. I honestly couldn’ t be more excited to continue diving alongside my club members and instructors, exploring the underwater environments across the Lake District and many more places in the future.
Completing my first open water sessions at Capernwray was an incredible experience, and diving at Wastwater was absolutely brilliant.
I would also like to give a huge shoutout to my amazing club, Solway Sub Aqua Club, and especially to Paul and Ben, who I have worked closely with throughout my training over the last few months. They know about my autism and, while treating me no differently from any other diver learning and adapting, they have shown incredible patience, support, and encouragement while helping me progress through my training.
On 13 July I completed the final module of my Ocean Diver course, and I’ m pleased to say that I have now earned my BSAC Ocean Diver certification. The incredible support, time, and effort from not only Paul and Ben, but all of the instructors, has been outstanding. Their encouragement and belief in me really helped spur me on throughout my training, and I couldn’ t have achieved it without them.
I share my autism journey online to help spread awareness, positivity, and hope, while helping challenge the stigma that can still surround autism and neurodiversity. We are all unique in our own ways, and personally, I see my autism as a strength – something that drives me to advocate for others and prove that anything is possible with the right support, determination, and mindset. �
Advocating at autism awareness day in April
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