PLANNING FOR SUCCESS A Training and Development Programme for Young People with Asperger Syndrome Run by Advantage Unlimited for Bromley Autistic Trust

We’d like to share … What we did and how we did it The outcomes What we have learned Demonstration of role play with David Pithouse and Sharaj Bailey How you can help students with AS Questions and Answers Summary

Who are Advantage Unlimited? Val Goldberg BSc MA Di Beacom MCIPD

The brief … To enable people with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism to: develop their social and communication skills, gain greater self confidence compete more successfully in the job market.

The programme Two one-day programme for support workers 10 weekly sessions of 2 hours with a break 2 trainers + support workers + carers Refreshments Quiet room

Objectives Participants will be better able to:- Communicate on a social level Use appropriate body language Deal with unstructured social situations Use the telephone Give short public presentations Effect a simple action plan from a stated aim. Identify opportunities in the workplace and the support available

Outcomes 50% of group in employment One now living independently One acting as representative on national committee All more confident All more able and willing to communicate effectively

Adult Learning Theory Recognise the experience they bring Their awareness of being responsible for their own development Not subject-centred Real life tasks or problem Motivators: job satisfaction, self esteem and identity factors. (Knowles)

Definition of “Personhood” a standing or status that is bestowed upon one human being, by others, in the context of relationships and social being. implies recognition, respect and trust. T. Kitwood (1997)

Key success factors Well defined ground rules Building trust Highly structured sessions Valuing and affirming all contributions Highly participative Support from staff Refreshments!

Y Speak Consultation Fund To enable more children and young people to Have a meaningful voice in the issues which effect them Influence decisions and services which impact on them Participate

COMMUNICATING WITH CONFIDENCE Getting to know people Asking for what we want Listening skills Telephone skills Planning and organising the meeting Views on services Making a case Rehearsal of meeting

The meeting Run by participants 5 service providers represented All participants contributed Positive and negative feedback Some cages rattled! Positive response from 2 service providers Successful outcomes Follow up next week!

PLANNING FOR FURTHER SUCCESS Bigger group of varying ability Myers Briggs Type Indicator Midcourse meeting More role play Assertiveness

What we’ve learned or re-learned The value of a person centred approach support and encouragement building rapport and trust the power of the group we’re all individuals

We have discovered … People with Amazing talents and gifts Great charm Wonderful humour An untapped resource

And finally … To tell us how it was and how it is … David Pithouse and Sharaj Bailey