Autism Spectrum Condition Awareness and the

Transcription

1 Autism Spectrum Condition Awareness and the 1

2 What is Autism Spectrum Condition? Autism (or ASC) is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people and the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with Autism share certain areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in different ways. Asperger syndrome and Pathological Demand Avoidance are also forms of Autism. 2

3 Myths about Autism All people with Autism are geniuses or have an extraordinary ability like the Dustin Hoffman character in the film Rain Man. Current thinking holds 2 in 200 individuals with Autism may have an extraordinary talent. People with Autism don t feel emotions. Many people with Autism feel emotions intensely & can be overwhelmed by the emotions of those around them. People with Autism are deliberately being rude when avoiding eye contact Lack of eye contact doesn't necessarily mean someone is being rude; some people with Autism find it difficult/physically painful to make eye contact. People with Autism may want to interact socially but may not naturally have the necessary social skills. 3

4 Statistics what is the impact? Autism affects more than 1 in 100 people - 600,000 people currently diagnosed in the UK 2.8 million people have a relative on the Autism Spectrum. 15% of Autistic people currently in full time paid employment. 53% of those employed would like employment support, but only 10% of that receive it. 3% of Mothers of disabled children currently in full time paid employment. 16% of Mothers of disabled children currently in part time paid employment.

5 Common difficulties in the workplace Large groups e.g. meetings & training courses Sensory overload - 'Intense sensations, Loud noises, strong smells, bright lights. Pressure sometimes self inflicted. Disruption to routine e.g. ad hoc tasks. Information overload. (No filter system)

6 Strengths of Autistic Employees Many people with Autism have great potential that often goes unrealised. People with Autism often display high focus levels They are often perfectionists and rule followers. Endeavouring to complete a job both correctly and well. They are capable of so much more, with the correct support in place.

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8 What are you trying to say?s Autistic people often have. Difficulties with communication only 7% of our communication is spoken word. The rest is body language and tone. Difficulties with reading emotions remember what we ve just said about tone and body language? Concrete/literal thinking so if we add sarcasm for example into the tiny 7% of easy communication we can see why a person with Autism may struggle with communication and interaction.obsessions Anxiety

9 Ways you can help Be direct try to avoid complex styles of communication like sarcasm and inference. Be clear If you wish to make a request, make it defined and closed in its criteria. i.e. Please write this up by the end of the day rather than Can you look at this when you get chance? Be patient Communication is harder for an Autistic person. They may struggle to follow conversations, not fully understand all that is being said or discussed and will possibly make misjudge situations. Demonstrate patience and allow for potential mistakes.

10 Why does this all matter? The Equality Act 2010 places responsibility on the employer to ensure that disability is not a barrier to work by the implementation of reasonable adjustments. For line managers, the techniques used in demonstrating effective management of Autistic employees are often considered to be Good management practice, applicable to any employee. Support for people with Autism is often simple and easy to implement. It will help produce a better work environment for those involved resulting in less lost days and allow the full potential of the person with autism and the team to be realised

11 What is the SASN? The Site Autism Support Group has, (to date) 64 members. This compromises mainly of Parent Carers of children with Autism, and also includes members who have a diagnosis of Autism themselves. We are a group that provides positive and proactive support to members both in and out of the workplace, working to make living with Autism easier by sharing experience and best practice from the varied experiences of our members.

12 Impact on Employees Autism doesn t just affect the individual. Many parents of Autistic people find themselves in the complex and often confusing role of parent carer Managing a child with Autism is a minefield of forms, appointments, assessments, sleep deprivation, physical and physiological stress. Mothers of Autistic children have been known to have cortisol (the stress hormone) levels similar to that of combat soldiers, and patients suffering PTSD. Many of these parents suffer from Depression, Anxiety and other mental health conditions due to the pressures on them at home.

13 What have we been doing? SOVAs/transport changes challenging and changing the process for those who have a genuine need. Speaking to training teams how can we help them to help us? Presentations Autism in the workplace, and the impact on those who deal with it outside. Ongoing 24/7 support to members from people who walk the walk with them every day practical and emotional. Working with HR and line management to support and offer advice. Providing online Hub with information and guidance for employees and line managers Social networking for members and interested parties to raise awareness and provide information. Using Networking apps (Whatsapp) to provide a constant area for advice, support and information sharing. Linking with professionals and local SEN school. Linking in with local community groups sharing best practice, and further expanding our access to information and support. Blogging at work - to educate and raise the profile of Autism on Site. Running Autism Awareness week at Sellafield to fundraise and help raise the profile of Autism in the workplace. Liaising with local MPs Trudy Harrison and Sue Hayman, who are fully supportive of improving local facilities and care. Now working with Cumbria Police force to introduce an Autism Network within the force, and ensure officers receive awareness training when dealing with the public

14 Personal Investment why we care Rory and Isaac both six, are our respective sons. Both are Autistic. Both struggle to communicate, have 24/7 care needs, are overwhelmed by some sensory interferences, both struggle with time concept (and in turn, sleep!!!) Both deserve acceptance and understanding as do our families. We have both experienced how difficult it can be juggling the impact of Autism in the family with full time employment, and the common misconception of Autism from the people around us. We know that if we as parents are finding a situation challenging, the challenge will be unquantifiable for our children. We are here to help. Be kind, be patient, be understanding Be Autism Aware.

15 Any Questions?