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Went on course,. Autism was mentioned

Robert124

As part of my new job as a support worker, caring for adults with challenging behaviour.   I am being sent on several one day training courses.

This week I was on a safeguarding course.  Dealing with keeping vulnerable adults safe from abuse, neglect, exploitation etc.

Halfway through we were asked what we knew about autism.  I kept my mouth shut.  But a couple said that they had experience with Autistic people. And explained that autistics like to stick to routines.  One gave an example of an autistic who walked along the same route everyday for 16 years.  The class had a giggle.  

That's how we autistics are seen by the NTs.

  • in reply to Robert124

    Depends how long the fit lasts...

  • Today I had another half day training course.  This time about epilepsy.  How to recognize it, The different types. Causes, medicines, treatments.  What to do when someone is having a fit.

  • People like to stereotype others. That's how neurotypical minds work. They put people into categories. That's how they can manage to get through life with their tiny little mundane brains.

    Ooops, look at me, stereotyping neurotypicals.....

    Anyway, Robert, I'm glad your job has progressed to the point where you are being given training. That could be a good sign.

  • I know how you feel. I went on a course last week. One of the workshops contained an activity that involved brainstorming all of the challenges autistic people have. The people delivering the training and everyone in the room knew I was autistic but they still laughed at the examples that were read out. Some of the examples had led to me feeling suicidal at times in my life so I was left feeling like a pile of rubbish.

  • in reply to California

    Then you've something in common with Immanuel Kant.

  • in reply to Cassandro

    Our bright and cheerful trainer revealed that in in the past she suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts.

    This was only a half day, level 1 course on safeguarding.

  • Ouch. Obviously the training wasn't designed or delivered by an autistic person. Sounds also like they never considered what an autistic person would feel like if they were present. To that extent it could be said that such training is discriminatory.

    I attended some very good autism awareness training recently with some social workers. Only half of the trainees knew what ASD stood for or knew about sensory sensitivities, but they were free with their opinions of autistic people (I'd introduced myself as autistic, but maybe not that clearly). 'Lazy' was one word used, and the routine and 'don't like change' stereotypes, plus other images from TV and media, came up, although others were more open. Part-way through the trainer revealed themselves as autistic but good at masking... maybe some minds were blown that day.

  • I like to walk along the same route.