Autism and Scuba Diving: Understanding the Possibilities

Scuba diver near coral
Scuba diver near coral ยฉ Sebastian Pena Lambarri / Unsplash

My son is on the autism spectrum and wants to learn how to scuba dive. Will his autism be a problem?

Everyone with autism is unique and must be evaluated independently. There will never be an all-inclusive recommendation.

First, all decisions must be made by you, properly trained dive instructors, and the physicians who are most closely involved in his behavioural and physical care. For some individuals, scuba diving comes naturally, and they handle it well with the proper accommodations and qualified instructors. For others, the risks are too high, and diving should not be considered. Each case depends on the person’s level of function and comorbidities.

In making an informed decision, you must consider the following: Does he have any sensory imbalances? These can cause hyperreactivity to stimuli that can be aggravated underwater as well as panic and subsequent life-threatening injuries. Can he make prompt decisions and monitor gauges, depth, air consumption, and buoyancy? Research indicates that many people on the autism spectrum have some degree of cognitive impairment, which can affect decision-making.

Repetitive behaviour such as tics or rocking may present difficulties with basic underwater skills such as buoyancy control, which could lead to injury. Some people on the autism spectrum have challenges with muscle tone and co-ordination. Finally, you must consider his awareness of cues and his ability to understand the need to frequently equalise his ears.

This is not an all-inclusive list. You may wish to review this information with groups that specialise in autism spectrum disorder. If he is cleared to dive, investigate organisations that specialise in scuba diving for people with disabilities. Depending on your son’s level of functioning, an adaptive scuba instructor may be a resource to consider.

World Dan Org

Join DAN to get a number of benefits, including answers to all your diving-related medical questions.


This article was originally published in Scuba Diver UK #71.

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@jaketarren
#askmark Heyo!  Been learning about sidemount and I'm having a hard time finding a clear example of how to rig the tanks.  I know it'll be covered in the training, but I need to know what to get before I take the class, there isn't a good sidemount shop near me.

Can you show how sidemount tanks and deco/stage tanks are rigged please?

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๐ŸŽฌSuggested videos for you:

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@jaketarren
#askmark Heyo! Been learning about sidemount and I'm having a hard time finding a clear example of how to rig the tanks. I know it'll be covered in the training, but I need to know what to get before I take the class, there isn't a good sidemount shop near me.

Can you show how sidemount tanks and deco/stage tanks are rigged please?

Please visit our website for more Scuba news, underwater photography, hints & advice, and travel reports: https://divernet.com/

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=============================

๐ŸŽฌSuggested videos for you:

โ–ถ๏ธ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0e1UkNqC64
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โ–ถ๏ธ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y6wIOKde48

=================================

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Welcome to Scuba Diver Magazine! Weโ€™re passionate about everything related to the underwater world. As a free distribution magazine in Europe, ANZ, and North America, we bring you the latest in scuba diving, from epic dive travel destinations and honest gear reviews to expert advice, news, and inspiring underwater stories.

Whether youโ€™re a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, our content is designed to keep you informed, inspired, and ready for your next dive. Get in, explore, and stay connected to the world of scuba diving with us! Join us and never miss an adventure!

For Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:

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YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS4wMUIwQkI1NEQ1RTFBNTND

How Do You Rig a Sidemount Cylinder?

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@martink72
#askmark How do I attach a flashing light to my twin or single cylinder so that my buddy can see/find me even in poor visibility or at night? The typical lanyard on these things always let the light fall downwards and obscure it.
Please visit our website for more Scuba news, underwater photography, hints & advice, and travel reports: https://divernet.com/ 

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=============================

๐ŸŽฌSuggested videos for you:

โ–ถ๏ธ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0e1UkNqC64
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โ–ถ๏ธ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y6wIOKde48 

=================================

โœ… About Scuba Diver Magazine.

Welcome to Scuba Diver Magazine! Weโ€™re passionate about everything related to the underwater world. As a free distribution magazine in Europe, ANZ, and North America, we bring you the latest in scuba diving, from epic dive travel destinations and honest gear reviews to expert advice, news, and inspiring underwater stories.

Whether youโ€™re a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, our content is designed to keep you informed, inspired, and ready for your next dive. Get in, explore, and stay connected to the world of scuba diving with us! Join us and never miss an adventure!

For Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:

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๐Ÿ”” Love scuba diving? Subscribe now for dive travel tips, gear reviews, scuba advice, epic dives, diving news, and underwater stories!
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@martink72
#askmark How do I attach a flashing light to my twin or single cylinder so that my buddy can see/find me even in poor visibility or at night? The typical lanyard on these things always let the light fall downwards and obscure it.
Please visit our website for more Scuba news, underwater photography, hints & advice, and travel reports: https://divernet.com/

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=============================

๐ŸŽฌSuggested videos for you:

โ–ถ๏ธ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0e1UkNqC64
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โ–ถ๏ธ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abJeh86OTI4
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โ–ถ๏ธ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLHCpnu4EAo
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โ–ถ๏ธ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siXAoUDrJZA
โ–ถ๏ธ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7MfATRd5Os
โ–ถ๏ธ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y6wIOKde48

=================================

โœ… About Scuba Diver Magazine.

Welcome to Scuba Diver Magazine! Weโ€™re passionate about everything related to the underwater world. As a free distribution magazine in Europe, ANZ, and North America, we bring you the latest in scuba diving, from epic dive travel destinations and honest gear reviews to expert advice, news, and inspiring underwater stories.

Whether youโ€™re a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, our content is designed to keep you informed, inspired, and ready for your next dive. Get in, explore, and stay connected to the world of scuba diving with us! Join us and never miss an adventure!

For Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:

๐Ÿ“ฉ Email: info@scubadivermag.com

๐Ÿ”” Love scuba diving? Subscribe now for dive travel tips, gear reviews, scuba advice, epic dives, diving news, and underwater stories!
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YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS42MzYyQ0E2MUE4ODAzQkU5

How Can I Attach a Flashing Light Strobe To Myself So My Buddy Can See Me? #askmark #scubadiving

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YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS43RkJGOTAwRDhCOEQ1RjIy

Is This The Best Dive Center Ever? W\@wakatobidiveresort

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