Working With People With Autism
Corinne Pearce is our Team Leader of Complex Needs for Candlelight Caring for Autism. She has over nine years' experience of looking after people with Autism and this is what she has to say about working in this demanding but rewarding area.
"If you like working with people, social care work offers a worthwhile job that can turn into a rewarding career. Being able to make a difference however big or small, to help others progress towards or to live fully independent lives is a very satisfying feeling and makes you realise you are doing something really worthwhile.
Autism throws up challenges to both the person who has it and others around them, but to be part of the support team to help people to overcome such issues is very rewarding. The type of support required by autistic people can vary enormously depending on the individual, their particular disability or need and, most importantly, their choice.
A support worker role might include helping with personal care and household chores, shopping and other everyday tasks that need to be carried out. But it can also include the social aspects of life such as going to the cinema, bowling, swimming, hobbies and even educational courses. Another important element might be to help someone build and maintain relationships and minimise and manage some of the behavious often associated with Autism.
Helping people in their own homes makes a huge difference to them, as without this support they might have no alternative but to leave their home, their family and their friends. I have been working with people with Autism for over nine years now and love the rewards and challenges that each day brings."
