Nonprofit takes the plunge to treat autism

Poor prospects

Autistic youths like Yonghao have poor life prospects. They may graduate from special schools or vocational high schools, but no one will hire them. With no government organization to help them, most stay home and do nothing.

"I just wanted him to attend more activities," Liao said. "Diving is a very good sport in my opinion, and Mr. Chan has two autistic boys, so I trust his experience."

After his first, formal effort with the two young men came close to disaster, Chan tried to find a quieter pool, but it wasn't easy.

"Good private swimming pools are very expensive. What's more, no one wants to rent out their swimming pool for people with autism," he said.

The pool at the polytechnic, where Chan used to teach, proved to be the only option at the time. He had to reschedule the diving classes for quiet periods, usually between noon and 2 pm, or 6 pm to 8 pm. The new times disrupted meal breaks for coaches and students, but it was the best he could manage.

Liao saw her son progress in the diving classes. Yonghao seemed to enjoy being underwater and appeared relaxed when diving with Chan.

Liao also noticed that he became more focused in the water. Using special materials, Chan lets his students read and write underwater. Yonghao loves the activity－he could hardly read or write before he started the diving classes.

The training gives Liao a place to go and share her concerns about Yonghao's condition with other people, and she has found that this basic contact provides more inspiration to work with him.

Meanwhile, Chan gives advice, based on his experiences with his sons, or shares approaches adopted by social workers in Hong Kong.

Liao has taken Chan's advice to talk with Yonghao every night. She tries to maintain eye contact and always remains calm if he loses control.

"My friends all say Yonghao has changed a lot and made real progress," she said. "The advice about getting along with him has really helped."