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SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Original poster

Autistic work-experience lad at work.

45 replies

Janoschi · 03/05/2012 01:02

I just wanted to share this, as I was so impressed with the young man we have on a work experience placement. He's 20 and has travelled 200+ miles alone to spend a week at our film studio, in a city he's never been to before. He has autism.

We didn't know he was autistic until he arrived and I have to be honest, we were a little nervous of how he would cope in a busy, chaotic studio. He's been an absolute pleasure to have on set. He's charmed the clients and crew alike with his enthusiasm and dedication, and we would have him back in a heartbeat.

I gave him a body language lesson during lunch break (our studio specialises in animation), where I took YouTube interviews of actors etc and turned the sound off, then we talked about whether the interviewee was nervous or confident, and what the visual clues were that told us this information. He was quite wide of the mark early on, but was soon applying his knowledge and actually getting a few correct, which was great to see.

Just wanted to share this, as I know it can be a worry for parents of teenage autistic children how they might be accepted in the wider world. We enjoyed his company immensely and I think both sides benefitted hugely from the week.

OP posts:

moondog · 03/05/2012 07:41

How uplifting to hear this!

SallyBear · 03/05/2012 08:09

How wonderfully positive. It's brightened mine and DH's morning with your lovely post. Thank you

starfish71 · 03/05/2012 08:23

That is wonderful, positive stories much needed, :)

EllenJaneisnotmyname · 03/05/2012 08:25

Thank you for this.

Ben10NeverAgain · 03/05/2012 08:25

That is wonderful to hear. Especially to hear of the extra care and attention that you have given him when so many employers could have thought that he was too much hassle. I'm sure that you have helped him immensely for the future in the world of work/RL :)

post · 03/05/2012 08:26

Thank you :) :) :)

StarshitTerrorise · 03/05/2012 08:27

Can I put my DS down for 2024?

cocolepew · 03/05/2012 08:33

What a lovely post

Ineedalife · 03/05/2012 09:17

Thanks for you lovely post.

pinkorkid · 03/05/2012 09:26

Thank you for posting this - lovely to be offered hopeful scenarios for the future.

Just as an aside for StarshitTerrorise, DS reading your post "Can I put my DS down for 2024?" over my shoulder wants to know why you harbour murderous intentions towards your son and why cocolepew thinks this is so lovely.

UnChartered · 03/05/2012 09:30

thank you so much for sharing this story - you're right, OP. the biggest worry i have for DD is what happens when she's old enough to 'fend for herself'.

lovely people like you make it less scary

schobe · 03/05/2012 09:37

Fab, thank you.

lionheart · 03/05/2012 10:19

That's a lovely, thoughtful post. Thank you.

nothinginthefridge · 03/05/2012 11:27

OP, you lovely, lovely person. Thank you for taking the time to write that.

pinkorkid

coff33pot · 03/05/2012 11:37

This was wonderful to read at the start of a bad day. Thank you so much for taking the time. Its so good to hear such things and also that there are places out there that are supportive in helping them to acheive :)

troutpout · 03/05/2012 12:04

Thank you so much for posting this.

zzzzz · 03/05/2012 12:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StarshitTerrorise · 03/05/2012 13:44

Lol. For Pinks DS: I want my son's name put down on the waitinglist for the same work experience for when he is 20yrs old.

bialystockandbloom · 03/05/2012 14:48

This is one of the most heart-warming things I've seen for a long time. And how lovely and thoughtful of you to think of posting this here, thank you

Original poster

Janoschi · 03/05/2012 22:37

Found out today that his brother has Downs. He must have amazing parents.

Your comments made me blush! It's no big deal - he genuinely was a lovely lad. Happy to do something for your DC if you really want body language lessons! I enjoyed it very much

OP posts:

FallenCaryatid · 03/05/2012 22:43

I'm delighted that the experience was good for all involved, but I'm interested in this point

'We didn't know he was autistic until he arrived and I have to be honest, we were a little nervous of how he would cope in a busy, chaotic studio'

If you had known he had autism in the first place, would you have accepted him on placement without prejudice, or would you have thought of reasons it wasn't a good idea?
I am pleased by the idea that this boy has perhaps challenged any preconceptions your workplace may have had about what autism 'looks like'.

Original poster

Janoschi · 03/05/2012 23:02

To be honest, yes we would have taken him. But not for the production he ended up on. Our previous production was a relaxed, TV pilot shoot and had a wonderful set. This one had no set and was very technically complex, and there was a lot of pressure from clients.

If I'd have known he was autistic, I would've moved him to the TV pilot shoot, as I think he would've gained a lot more from the experience. I think it was brave of him to present himself as NT but I feel a little sad that he missed out on something that could've been so much more rewarding for him.

We didn't really have many preconceptions of what autism looks like, my concern was that the studio environment might prove too stressful for him and cause him anxiety. Lots of people in and out, urgent last minute changes, more changes, plans being scrapped and rewritten hourly... Loud shouting, complicated instructions... From what I understand of autism, these are difficult situations, or am I off the mark? Keen to be corrected here. My wish was for him to relax and enjoy himself and he did, which was wonderful.

OP posts:

FallenCaryatid · 03/05/2012 23:08

I wasn't implying any criticism, it was curiosity.
I have a 17 year old Aspie who is very upfront with his diagnosis, but others have suggested that he ought to Pass For Normal and stay quiet wherever he can, because of prejudice and it impacting negatively on his chances and opportunities.
So far, being open about disclosure has done nothing but good.

googlenut · 04/05/2012 02:39

What a lovely company you seem to have. Thank you for giving this lad so much time - its probably been life changing for him. And for coming here to post.

Original poster

Janoschi · 04/05/2012 09:52

Fallen, no I wasn't feeling criticised! It was a good question and we were discussing this ourselves yesterday.

We were torn between wanting to support his efforts up be NT but on the other hand we do think he missed out on things. Also, we had no idea on Day 1 and he caused a little bit of damage, which in hindsight we could have easily avoided!

I personally would prefer upfront knowledge next time so that I could put them on a better suited production. I wouldn't turn anyone down based on a diagnosis but I feel it's fairer on the company to know certain things upfront as our first day was a little frustrating for both sides. It improved immensely once we knew the situation and could adapt things.

OP posts:

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