A renewed sense of life came with employment for Javier

The range of strengths and challenges neurodivergent people live with vary from person to person. Research shows 30% of people living with autism are unemployed.

Participant Javier lives with autism, PDHD and depression. He said his low confidence and lack of initiative was why he was unemployed at 22. He met OCTEC Boronia Employment Consultant Kelly met him while completing an 18-month School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program with NDIS support agency Interchange.

Working together, they finalised Javier’s resume and began formulating a job search and ways to approach employers. They then began visiting businesses near his home, given where he lives has limited access to public transport. Kelly’s coaching on effective communication helped ease Javier’s nerves, allowing him to engage in conversations with five employers.

Christine from Yarra Valley accommodation retreat, Oscars On The Yarra showed interest in talking to Javier, even though she didn’t have any advertised job openings. Kelly had explained Javier’s current situation, as well as the availability of OCTEC’s tailored Biz Support package to assist her.

Javier and his Interchange NDIS Support Worker met with her to discuss what would position suit him. He talked about what he’d be comfortable handling, allowing them to tailor a job that suited both his needs and abilities. Javier was offered a position helping with general housekeeping, gardening duties and kitchen assistance.

After successfully gaining the role, he continued to receive further support on the job. His NDIS Support Worker helped purchase noise-cancelling headphones, which helped the irritation he felt due to his autism from the sound of scraping dishes. Kelly worked with OCTEC Regional Manager Lawanya to organise a Biz Support package for Christine. OCTEC bought a bicycle and helmet for Javier to ride to work.

Javier successfully maintained 15 hours of permanent part-time work. Christine is dedicated to making his experience a positive one. She also connected with the Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice to enhance the employer’s understanding of how to provide the best available support.

Javier has noticed a remarkable transformation. He felt renewed, no longer tired and unproductive. He now enjoys improved confidence at and outside work, as well as bike rides on the Warburton Trail with his NDIS Support Worker. Now contributing to rent also gives him a sense of responsibility, and he has enrolled in a night course to study music.

If you live with a disability, illness, or injury and are looking for work, please feel free to reach out to your local employment specialists for assistance.