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Recent diagnosis for Daughter

Kathryn1403

Hello everyone. I’m looking for any support for my 21 year old daughter. She has recently been diagnosed with Autism but is having real difficulties in finding some sort of work. She doesn’t know what she wants to do (which doesn’t help) I think there are too many options for her. She is currently volunteering at our local charity shop for 3 afternoons a week which she loves. It has really helped build her confidence. Everyone there is really supportive and kind to her but she is worried about doing something else as not everyone is as kind as they are. We would also like to be a part of a community so if anyone knows of any support groups in Derby that would be greatly appreciated. 
thanks for reading 

  • Hi, would ur daughter like to speak to me? My name is beau, I now manage to run my own business have done for a few years doing dog grooming and also other things and I have autism. I might be able to help or share inspiration happy to help. :) 

  • in reply to Kathryn1403
    Kathryn1403 said:
    so I’m hoping finding something in the community helps her find her “people” which will be beneficial to us both

    Totally understand. Definitely talk to the UC advisor! That’s a wonderful idea.

    One more advice I have, which might help with finding the right “people,” is to focus more on talking to employers directly rather than just applying on websites like Indeed. If your daughter wants to start working just a handful of hours per week, you could ask local employers if they have a need for just a little help. For example, maybe a local real estate agent just needs a little help filing paperwork? Or a lawn company needs someone to hose down the mowers for a few hours per week? The idea is that you could help an employer create a job specifically for your daughter that starts tiny, but as she gets more comfortable with the employer and coworkers there could be opportunity for growth!

    Granted, talking directly with employers is hard work. That’s basically half of my job lol. So don’t do it all by yourself as a single parent!

  • in reply to profdanger

    Good evening from the uk, Profdanger Blush 

    thank you so much for your reply. I think we do have something like that over here. I will talk to her UC advisor next time she calls which will be in about 2 weeks. She is such a lovely young woman (I’m not biased at all! Haha) I just hope that she can find something that she enjoys and people are kind to her. It’s all we wish for our children as parents. Being a single mum it’s just me that supports her which can get overwhelming at times so I’m hoping finding something in the community helps her find her “people” which will be beneficial to us both 

  • Hi Kathryn1403,

    Welcome to the online community.  It is fantastic to hear that your daughter is volunteering and enjoying it.  I am sure our users will have lots of experience to share with you.  In the meantime,  these resources may be useful:

    Employment

    Kind Regards

    Suzanne Mod

  • Good morning from America, Kathryn1403!

    I am currently an employment specialist for people with disabilities. I don’t know much about similar services in the UK, but what little I know is that Access to Work might be the way to get in touch with job coaches similar to me. My job here in America is to help people with disabilities (of all kinds, physical or cognitive) discover what kind of employment is best for them, try to find suitable employment, then assist with stabilizing within the workplace. That could definitely be a great asset for your daughter.

    It sounds like y’all are starting out PERFECTLY by easing her into the workforce via a volunteer opportunity! That is certainly one of the best ways to help someone with Autism recognize what they are capable of in the workplace and what kind of situations are best to avoid. I totally understand the fear that another employer might not have as kind of coworkers. Job coaches might be able to assist with that by making first contact with employers and getting a feel for whether they have a suitable company culture.

    I hope that helps! Don’t get flustered (or let her to get flustered), it sounds like she is on the right path to success!