Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi folks,
Today was the first day of my week-long induction into my new job, working as an Individual Support Worker in day services in a local autism charitable trust. It was an interesting, if exhausting day. We all got to introduce ourselves and talk about our experiences with autistic people. I seemed to be the only one who'd worked in care for several years. Many people were completely new to it. It was great to see such enthusiasm, though, for working with people on the spectrum. Most of the people we'll be working with are severely autistic and need 24-hour support.
I was also the only person there with an autism diagnosis, which I mentioned - and which generated a flurry of interest. The trainers would often come to me for perspectives, and most people seemed generally keen to hear of my experiences both through working with autistic people and through my own personal experiences as an autistic person. I think this is really going to be a great place to work!
I was anxious as hell over the weekend - mainly about the journey there. I did a lot of planning, though (my car doesn't have sat-nav) and didn't get lost once, despite a lot of complicated city-centre navigation. I have a hopeless sense of direction, and one wrong turning would have left me in Nightmare-land! I feel so much better now!
How was everyone else's day today?
Tom
Well... Day Two over, and so far so good. Their approach and ethos is exactly what I've been looking for in a care organisation. Basically, it's the approach that, in an ideal world, would be the standard. Completely non-aversive. Completely person-centred. Pro-active, not reactive. The fact that they focus solely on autism obviously helps, so the care is appropriately specialised. They seem to look after their staff and offer some excellent benefits, including counselling if required (and including bereavement support). The senior managers are all human beings! The other staff, too, are really on the ball with autism issues. Good stuff. It's what we need!
So pleased for you Tom. It sounds like you feel as comfortable as you can in a job It makes a huge difference to have good management and happy staff. And rare to find such a good attitude and support towards both staff and clients. And the counselling for staff is also rare so hope you find it helpful.
Hi tom sorry we took over your post!but hey it's not as if we aren't good mates Lol.just kidding,You are obviously a much liked and respected gentleman on here as we are drawn to you like a magnet.
I came on here yesterday as soon as I got back from dropping my wife off at work,did a few replies and next thing I woke up in the dark with my phone ringing,uh must be wifey wanting picking up!22:00.
Really made up for you with your new job,sounds very well suited to you. My eldest daughter is teacher training and hopes to eventually work with less abled children,She already worked as a volunteer at our local school,it was next to the main school and was for physically and mentally handicapped.
She knows what it was like to be bullied and fall behind,no help or understanding from her teachers.She is diagnosed with dyslexia,amazing how much she has achieved thus far,currently working as teacher support at a preschool and attending college.
Yes I am so very proud and yes I may mention it again but so inspiring. She has a natural ability to see potential in every child.
I had a busy day running up and down steps shouting orders across to a digger driver! Varied work as usual,there are some tanks 3m high full of water,they are about 60m across,vegetation is growing in clumps on top of the water and we have to remove it with a 22ton digger,the driver cannot see his arm or bucket so I have to guide his every move.so flipping frustrating every time we miss,like bobbing for apples.nearly finished and then onto a previous job put on hold until I was available,
So a bit tired physically and mentally frustrated.ah well I shouldn't complain,
Ditto
We can cope with a flood and probably dont have insurance but I don't think you can. I don't believe in God as such, but I kind of prey that some devine justice will make things better for you. Your motivation is pure but it's diluted by the crappy system and I wish I could put a massive protective wall in place. Not the DT kind of wall. x
Will do, lovely
Take care. Try to get some sleep x
Ok.
Sorry peeps...it's been a really difficult week, lots of tears and aloneness.. hope my mask holds up!? Sorry to burst that bubble of positivity guys.
i've been spoilt by you lovely people over the summer so really reality is a whack round the face with a wet fish!
Sorry people...trying to keep out of things while I re-boot.
so much I want to say...but in saying I open up myself, and in opening up myself I risk letting out a flood and I don't think we have the insurance for that.
night night peeps x
Caught and captured the hug - thank you!
a safe word is a word that you use when the conversation gets a bit tricky....it's a polite way of saying back off ..I can sometimes be too eager a puppy when it comes to social interaction and step too far ...