Autism affects millions of people worldwide, and it’s crucial that we work towards understanding and supporting those living with autism. To foster a more inclusive and understanding environment, we are using this week to raise awareness. By learning more about autism and how we can support individuals we can create a more inclusive, informed and compassionate workplace here at Connect Health.
Gemma Irvine, Patient Care Advisor, tells us more about living and working with autism:
“When I was diagnosed autistic I wasn’t surprised, it was more of a relief. Growing up, I always knew I was different and even thought I wasn’t from this planet at times! I used to think I was maybe taking longer to mature and would laugh about it. Before joining Connect I was a Care Worker and my colleagues at the time suggested I looked in to getting assessed. Being told I was autistic made total sense to both me and my parents and has given us so much more understanding around why I act or respond a certain way. Since being diagnosed my life has improved so much and making the move to work at Connect was the best things I could have done.
“In 2022, the year I was diagnosed, I moved house and started working at Connect. These are big things for most people, but they were massive for me. Change can be really hard for people with autism and I did struggle at times but I have amazing friends and colleagues who supported me. Routine is so important to me, but I also know that change is inevitable. The support I’ve received from the Help@hand Boost app and my manager, Cindy Oliver, has been invaluable.”
“Cindy has been so supportive since I moved to her team – which was a challenge in itself as it was a change I wasn’t prepared for. She understands me and the extra support I might need. I have a Wellness Action Plan in place and lots of people I’m able to reach out to. This hasn’t been the case in my previous jobs so moving to Connect was the best decision I ever made.”
Cindy, Team Leader, said:
“I am also Neurodiverse so that helps me to support and understand Gemma. The main thing we have to think about when supporting a colleague with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is that we may have to tweak the current Wellness Action Plan to make it more suitable for someone with ASD. We don’t have any specific support documents in place, so it’s more about talking to the colleague and asking what will help them.”
When asked what coping strategies and adaptations Gemma uses, she said:
“I prefer to work in an office as I feel isolated at home and get less done. Connect allow me to work in the office each day, even though the majority of PCAs work hybrid. ”
“I refuse to let autism stop me from doing anything that I want to do or doing my job well. I wear headphones and listen to music a lot to block out overpowering noises. I also use breathing techniques. I’m very self-aware and know I’m easily distracted so I have to break down tasks and prioritise. I write lots of lists to guide me. Sometimes I feel like I’m not coping but know I can turn to Cindy, colleagues, friends or access support via Boost if I need to.
“In my previous role I was working 60 hours each week as we were short staffed. I never got two days off in a row so I was constantly tired. I was totally drained by the time my shifts were over and I would suffer from sensory overload. I would have to have a nap when I finished work and then I didn’t sleep at night, so my sleep pattern was all over.”
With only 29% of autistic people in any form of employment, Gemma tells us why it’s so important for her to be in that percentage:
“I crave routine so working at Connect gives me that, Monday to Friday with set hours is ideal for me. I can honestly say that the PCC (Patient Care Coordination) Team is the first place I’ve felt comfortable and fully accepted. There have been times that I’ve struggled – moving teams was a massive deal for me but also ended up being a very positive move. Since joining I’ve completed my Tier 2 training, worked on two new contracts and achieved a law certificate. I’m proud of myself for achieving this. I’m also planning on going to Poland on my own next year. This terrifies me as airports make me anxious but I’m determined to go.”
Gemma ended by offering her support:
“I’m very open about being autistic and keen to raise awareness so others don’t also feel like they’re an alien from another planet!”
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