Sam talks about her experiences as a cotrainer
Before I joined The Autism Wellbeing Project, my life was a continuous cycle of psychiatric hospital admissions due to masking, which resulted in autistic burnout alongside depression. I had very little support and felt incredibly alone, as though the world was against me. The isolation was overwhelming. However, upon finding the correct support network, including all aspects of what The Autism Wellbeing Project provides, I am happy and relieved to say that I have not had a psychiatric hospital admission since. I now feel comfortable dropping the mask I once held so tightly. This is something I could never have imagined just a short time ago.
My life has transformed from merely existing and not understanding myself to truly thriving. I now have my first ever paid employment role as an Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training co-trainer through The Autism Wellbeing Project. I honestly thought that I would never receive the appropriate support to enter paid employment, primarily due to being a late-diagnosed autistic person. I have also struggled significantly with my mental health, have complex physical health conditions, and use a wheelchair. It is only through the belief, support, and commitment of the incredible staff at The Autism Wellbeing Project that this has been possible.
Having a whole team believe in my potential, even when I couldn't see it myself, is undoubtedly one of the most fundamental aspects of what The Autism Wellbeing Project is all about. No matter how much support a person needs to reach their potential, every single member of staff is committed to making adjustments so that this can happen. They consider everyone's unique sensory profile and adjust the workplace accordingly. They understand that some of us use different communication styles, encourage self-expression in a safe environment, provide quiet areas for when we need time out, and ensure a vast range of accommodations for everyone to feel safe and comfortable. This extends to our roles as Experts by Experience too.
As a co-trainer, I feel the support given to me is something every workplace should take note of. Through continual learning, reflection, gaining insight and knowledge about particular subjects, and having a safe and understanding space to ask questions, I have been able to continue my work as an Expert by Experience. The Autism Wellbeing Project ensures that all co-trainers have a fully adaptable environment that meets our unique needs and learning styles. By doing all of these things, I am certain that The Autism Wellbeing Project has enabled many autistic people to believe in their own potential and gain employment, especially given the low percentage of autistic people in the workforce.
The Autism Wellbeing Project is committed to tailoring all aspects of support, including free weekly activities, mental health wellbeing sessions, training, and ongoing mentoring for their Experts by Experience. This is something I have never encountered at any other organisation. By tailoring my own support plan—both as an Expert by Experience co-trainer and as someone who receives a support package—to my unique profile, I have increased self-confidence in my ability to achieve. I now have the confidence to share my experiences within training sessions, have gained a much deeper understanding of my own needs as a late-diagnosed autistic adult, and have formed many friendships—areas I have struggled with throughout my entire life.
From the moment I first reached out to The Autism Wellbeing Project for support, I felt included and experienced a sense of hope for my future. This has given me the determination to achieve dreams I never thought possible. At times, I have had wobbles where I doubted myself, but the unwavering commitment of the staff to my potential has never wavered. For this, I will always be grateful.
Through the vast amount of support and belief given to me as an Expert by Experience, I have gained the confidence to further my education within the training sector by starting a college course in this field. This is something I had never even considered before, let alone thought possible. It just goes to show that when autistic people are given the adjustments we need, we can truly thrive in the workplace.
Every autistic person deserves the chance to be in employment (if that is what they want), but unfortunately, barriers are all too often put in our way. However, The Autism Wellbeing Project is leading the way in demonstrating how to support autistic individuals so that we can fulfil our desire to make a difference and have the opportunity to do so with the correct support in place.
