Autism Non-Neurotypical
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions. They are characterised by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, a focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations.
The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. WHO (World Health Organisation)
Top Tips:
Autistic people may communicate differently.
Autistic people interact differently with the world around them.
Some autistic people will find it difficult to maintain eye contact.
The sensory profile of each individual with autism can result in an intolerance to physical touch.
Autistic people may be unable to read emotions and may have difficulty understanding certain types of humour and body language.
Many autistic individuals struggle to manage certain sensory stimuli.
Normal sensitivities are experienced by autistic individuals though on occasions these may be differently nuanced.
Autistic people may express themselves in different ways and this may require a degree of understanding and adjustment within the volunteering setting.
Autistic people tend to favour routine and structure in their daily lives.
Recruitment
Roles for autistic people should have structure and routine.
Talk to each individual about their expectations and explore how their abilities and skills can relate to the volunteering role.
If they have a passion for any particular activity or topic, interpret it as a benefit for your organisation.
Be clear and specific in your communication so that expectations can be met from the outset, baring in mind that change can cause distress to individuals with autism.
Try out individual activities first as autistic people might have problems with interaction. A soft induction will pave the way towards a stress-free “day one” in the volunteering role. Seek regular feedback from the volunteer throughout all the initial stages.
Respect their wishes whilst being consistent and structured in your requirements.
Be aware that some individuals they may prefer to carry out activities solo, whilst others may require supervision.
Scenario
Background: The prospective volunteer struggled to retain complex information and did not like a customer facing role.
Volunteer Role: Hospitality
Volunteer Recruitment: As part of the recruitment process, volunteers were to answer health and safety questions online and take a training assessment online.
Support Provided to the Volunteer:
A transport charity offered to have a one-to-one discussion with the Volunteer. The Volunteer Co-ordinator explained the questions to the volunteer so he could give feedback to her and ensure the questions were understood prior to the online training.
He was given extra time with no time restrictions.
The staff arranged for him to volunteer during quieter times when fewer members of the public were present. Should the location become crowded, they arranged a role swap so that the volunteer could withdraw from the situation, at the same time as still being included in a meaningful activity e.g. make tea and coffee, so he did not have to face the crowd.
Impact:
The person-centred approach used by the charity meant the volunteer was able to take part fully in the induction process.
He got the job he loved and was able to volunteer in his community and he enjoyed his role.