We consider Cole our first Champion, even though he technically came along before we created the Adaptive Scuba Knoxville program. What that means is; despite some challenges, Cole has successfully made it through the standard SSI Scuba Diver Certification with plans to soon complete the full Open Water Diver program. No small feat to say the least!
Here's what Cole's mom Kim had to say about his journey with Scuba:
My son is now 20. He is on the Autism Spectrum. He was diagnosed in the 3rd grade with High-Functioning Autism. As other parents of a child with this diagnosis know; watching your child fight with struggles that go along with this diagnosis, there are so many challenges. As I’ve watched my amazing son through the years and his struggle with the many daily battles that come with this diagnosis; I am constantly searching for things he can do that will help him, but mostly things for him to just “have fun” and “be happy.”
Several years ago, on one of my “brainstorming” days to find a new activity for him, I made a random call to Ski Scuba. My thought was this may be something for him as he is very much a “rule follower”, and with scuba, the steps and rules are very clear. He would like that concept. I explained our situation and there was no hesitation from them to meet with Cole and work with us to coordinate a plan to teach him scuba diving. They wanted to help. I was so touched and appreciative. They listened to me about things that were difficult for him and some things to expect when working with him. Things such as the need for one-on-one attention, going slow, repeating information, and that some days he may have decreased focus, retention issues and noise sensitivity.
They embraced Cole and his needs and wanted to help him succeed. They met with Cole, got to know him, made him feel comfortable with the staff and shop, and began working with him. We immediately knew this was a win for him. He loved it! The staff were so “tuned in” to his individual needs and in no time, not only were they able to teach him the entire process of scuba diving but they also made it “fun.” Eventually my husband decided to get certified with him so he would have a dive buddy, and it would be something they could do together. Cole was thrilled.
Joseph really became a friend to Cole, as well as his primary instructor. My husband and I saw his confidence soar! As they worked together, we saw improvement with social anxiety, it helped his focus and retention of information, and we immediately noticed how, when he was diving, he seemed more relaxed and calm. He couldn’t wait to go back, and most importantly, he was having fun!
My husband and are so grateful for finding Ski Scuba and the gift they have given our son. We have been so impressed with their patience, safety awareness, professionalism, and willingness to accommodate Cole’s individual needs.
Cole’s words say it all:
“I feel so good about myself when I’m diving.”
“I feel calm and relaxed when I dive.”
“I really learned to scuba dive!”
He tells everyone he’s a scuba diver.
