Autism childcare

[Sisteractive]

I’m looking for a part time nanny for my partner’s ASD son (his dad does an awful lot for me inc. all DIY and driving but I’m more skilled, usually, at people stuff). For some reason I’m not getting anywhere. Been on all the childcare sites and local Facebook groups. In 8 months we’ve had one person show a bit of vague interest. Can you tell me where I’m going wrong? Perhaps it’s because we only need 12 hours a week. Perhaps it’s because regular nannys aren’t confident in dealing with special needs. How should I advertise the placement so it doesn’t scare people off? Any help from SEN parents gratefully received here. Thanks so much in advance.

Hi

I looked for a nanny when I was pregnant with my third child. My first is non verbal asd and my second in neurotypical. I tried and tried but never found one. I joined an agency but they couldn't find one either. Sadly people don't want to be nannies to SEN children. Because they pick the families, they choose. Good luck but maybe look at different things - more hours at nursery etc

Have you tried advertising for a PA rather than nanny? If the care is only necessary outside of school hours you could ask local schools, including special schools, if any of their TAs are interested. You could also look at a care agency rather than a nanny agency.

It’s really hard isn’t it! My partner and I each have autistic kids, I have a nephew with ASD also. They’re all SO different! But I feel like you say ‘autism’ and childcare runs a mile!

Thank you for this advice! We found a PA from a care agency who is absolutely wonderful.

We use staff from our DS's nursery - is that an option for you? I can see how using the "a-word" might put some candidates off if they have no experience of it and only have one idea of what that autism means. With staff at DS's nursery, they know him, know what it actually means in reality, and have seen enough variation in child behaviour to not be scared off by a little delayed echolalia and a precocious talent for puzzles (ok, there's a little more to it than that, but he's not that hard! 😉).

Hi
glad you found someone. Please could you share how you went about this? What kind of care agency? Thanks

Found someone by looking on the website for our local authority's local offer for autism and SEND, which listed a few care agencies. Called them all and one had an autism-trained carer available. Rates are slightly higher than hourly nanny rate, but not by much.