WORLD Autism Month is highlighting the voices of autistic people, families, and advocates.
Coffs local Sienna*, 19, who lives with autism and anxiety, says professional support boosted her confidence enough to secure her first job.
She had applied for more than 10 positions without success; from hospitality roles to “random little jobs here and there”.
“I was looking on Seek and I was trying hard to get a job, handing in my resume in lots of places.”
Feeling stuck, she connected with Social Futures Coffs Harbour and the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program which supports people with disability, injury or health conditions to overcome barriers to work.
Sienna was paired with IEA Participant Engagement Consultant Ngun*, supported by Team Leader Lace*, and Employment and Partnership Consultant Todd*.
“They helped by connecting me to the right people,” Sienna said.
The team reviewed Sienna’s resume, identified suitable roles and helped her to prepare for interviews.
The biggest barrier was not a lack of capability, it was the anxiety of walking into a workplace and speaking to employers face-to-face.
Sienna said with coaching and support from Ngun and Lace, she found the courage to take that step.
Her newfound bravery paid off and she was offered a position at a local takeaway shop.
“It’s super good…it’s super chill,” Sienna says of her new role, located close to home.
Lace has seen Sienna in action and is impressed by her growth over a short time.
“Sienna is wonderful in a service role, she is friendly and comfortable chatting to customers, it is great to see her in her element.”
Since starting work, Sienna’s life has turned around, and boredom has been replaced with structure, social interaction, and financial independence.
“I have more routine.
“I’m not bored at home doing nothing, and I’m meeting a lot of new people as well, and I’m getting paid.”
The income has allowed her to buy new clothes, but beyond the material benefits, the job has given her a sense of capability.
Next on the agenda is supporting Sienna to get her driver’s license, another milestone in building her independence.
By Andrea FERRARI
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