What were your experiences like at school?
Not brilliant, I always felt like a problem and that my autism was a problem, too. I spent most of my education either overwhelmed or isolated. Because of my sensory difficulties, I found the classroom an intimidating and overwhelming space, so I behaved in a way that removed me from that space.
It wasn’t until starting my current job working with autistic individuals that I realised that was why I behaved in the way I did. I wasn’t coping, and instead of supporting me to identify why and put measures in place, my school removed ‘the problem’.
Once you left school, what was the working environment like for you?
Tricky to start with until I learned how to explain my challenges to people and identify when something was or was not working. One of my previous managers understood me very well and helped me express this to other people. He influenced my career direction and my ability to think positively about my autism diagnosis, as he recognised and supported the strengths I have rather than the difficulties.
How have your own experiences helped you to engage young autistic people in your role?
I think it is a positive thing in two parts. Firstly, I feel like I can empathise with my students more than other staff members who have never been in their shoes – it allows me an honesty that other staff struggle with. Secondly, it gives the young people I work with a role model, an individual with similar difficulties and strengths who is succeeding and feels positively about autism as a whole.
What impact have you seen when autistic pupils receive aspirational careers education?
It is a night and day difference. When our students arrive at school, they are often terrified of the future and actively avoid lessons and topics that discuss it. Once they buy into the careers education we provide, the switch is tangible and exciting.
Suddenly, the future isn’t a big, scary and intimidating place. It is an opportunity to excel, be passionate, enjoy and look forward to. We can impact a student’s entire adult life based on the words we say and the value of the knowledge we impart.
You clearly have a lot of passion and expertise. How do you think careers advisors in mainstream schools can work more effectively with autistic pupils?
