No two adults with autism will share the same social and language skills, which is why adopting a tailored approach to the support each individual is given is so important. We believe it is imperative to adopt a best-practice and research-based approach to ensure that the living arrangements, communication methods and sensory needs of each service user are appropriately met.
If you are exploring care assistant jobs in Southampton with a focus on supporting adults with autism, here are some of the considerations and decisions you will make on a daily basis to provide the best possible support for every service user.
Needs-Based Assessments
Before an appropriate package of support can be offered, it is important to understand the unique needs and requirements of the service user. This assessment will be used to consider everything from the person’s sensory needs to the methods of communication they are most comfortable with and will, ultimately, form the basis of the comprehensive support plan that is developed and implemented moving forward.
The Importance of Compatibility
When supporting adults with autism, compatibility is an important issue. As well as ensuring that service users are supported by support workers who understand and can effectively manage the behaviours they may demonstrate, it is also imperative to carefully consider the types of activities and routines an individual will be exposed to. It is this level of attention to detail that provides service users with a positive environment that will give them a safe space in which to both learn new skills and put their existing skills into practice.
Promoting Life Skills
Life skills are sometimes referred to as daily living or independent living skills, which is a general term used to encapsulate everything from money management and shopping to cooking, room organisation and self-care. Each of these life skills also has associated thinking or executive function skills, such as planning, decision-making, prioritising and organising.
Life skills can be divided into a range of categories, including leisure, peer relationships, health and safety, community participation, home living, and self-determination. As every service user with autism is different, they may require more support in some areas than they do in others. Similarly, the pace at which skills are introduced should be tailored to the needs of each individual. While some adults with autism may be able to live life with little to no outside support, others may require access to 24/7 services.
Looking for Care Assistant Jobs in Southampton
If you are considering your career options and are exploring care assistant jobs in Southampton, there are myriad reasons to consider becoming a support worker for adults with autism. Support workers are highly skilled and are adept at tuning into the ever-changing needs of adults with autism in order to provide high-quality support that will allow every person to build upon their existing skills and learn new ones.
Ultimately, this rewarding career will give you a real opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people within your local community, as well as positively affecting their wider circle of family and friends.
