Autism Cymru Asperger Syndrome Conferences 2005 Employment and Social Networks

Manager of Asperger Syndrome Outreach Services autism. west midlands Claire Fennell

Keep the following question in mind… If you had to choose one part of society to be totally excluded from, a working life, or a social life, which would you choose?

Introducing Mark… as an individual  Mark is 39  He lives by himself in a flat  Works PT as a Database Administrator  Very interested in Heritage & National Trust properties & is a keen photographer  Mark is active and goes rambling, enjoys conservation and undertakes voluntary work to help protect the environment

Introducing Mark… as someone with AS  Mark got his diagnosis at 25  Extreme anxiety has been a big barrier to progression  Wants to be socially active and have meaningful relationships  Wants to work and make a contribution to society as others do

Features of AS impacting on ability to have social opportunities…  Deep desire to be socially active but lack of understanding of social rules results in negative experiences  Vulnerability of appearing ‘different’  ‘Learning difficulties’ present practical barriers  Inflexibility – willingness to try new things or adapting to the needs of others

Features of AS impacting on ability to have social opportunities…  Difficulty ‘thinking hypothetically’  Impact of self esteem  Impact of lack of experience  High anxiety reducing skills

 Networks developed over time – common experiences and trust  Individuals need a desire to meet new people  Stereo types and pre judgments  Acknowledging hidden disabilities  The ability to be flexible! Barriers surrounding social networks

What happens… a Vicious Circle Lack of Options Withdrawal From Socialising Anxiety Negative Social Situations Lack of Social Experience

What about a quality of life? Social Network Steps in during a Crisis School College University Employment Building Meaningful Relationships Protects You Monitors You

 Imagination – what jobs ‘mean’ and matching skills to jobs  What’s appropriate to communicate through an application form or CV?  Performing well at interviews  Impact of low self esteem  High anxiety reducing skills Features of AS impacting on ability to gain employment…

And sustaining employment…  Transferring skills and practical experience to a new environment  Developing different types of relationships  Communicating effectively with others but particularly with a line manager  Imagination and perspective - Being able to recognise needs and set priorities  Being able to respond to change and others

Barriers surrounding employment…  Competitive market place  Employers value experience  Too much training  Negative experience brings further barriers  Lack of reasonable adjustments within general recruitment practice  Employers are in control  Diagnosis and disclosure

What happens… a Mountain to Climb Fitting into the Work Place Culture Performing the Job Negotiating Interviews Getting Short Listed Gaining experience

What about a quality of life? Being Employed Providing Routine Contributing To Society Social Acceptance Social Skills Financial Independence Ongoing Learning

So back to that question… Being Employed Having a Social Network

The journey for Mark…  10 years ago - generic employment support but he lost his job  awm provide high level social & domestic support, Mark is at rock bottom…  Structured medium level support model achieved, Mark finds increased independence…  Mark gets support from ASpire, continues to receive supported living and attends social group, has a full network of low level support and finds greater fulfilment…

Link this to the development and provision of services…  Sustainable  Enjoyable  Tailored to individual needs  Adult appropriate not necessarily age appropriate  Finding the right balance  Starting as soon as children’s services end

Back to Mark…  “…because social situations come into both.. meeting new people and dealing with them where ever you are, there are differences and similarities in both”  “…employment has worked wonders for his self confidence and sense of personal self worth”