That was until they discovered Mable, a website which enables people seeking support to find and connect with independent support workers from their community. They can choose and build a support team based on qualifications, skills and even interests and personality. They connected with Sophie, who has qualifications in speech pathology, and found that she shared the family’s values and was able to connect well with Angus. Vanessa and Angus shared the goals they had decided on with Sophie, who also liaises with Angus’s psychologist and other professionals. The pair did a lot of work in preparation for the start of the school year, with Angus learning to plan his space so it would be conducive to homework, learning how to make school lunches for himself and going shopping for books and stationery needs. They also practised routines so that by day one of the new school year, Angus was not only ready, but excited about school. Since Angus has been working with Sophie, Vanessa has received very positive feedback on his grades and his improvements in class, and excellent feedback from his therapists as well. “What used to be chaotic and difficult has now become a pleasure, and Angus is thriving,” Vanessa says. “He’s now better at problemsolving, is much more independent and he’s able to approach with confidence, situations that he used to struggle with. Angus’s younger brothers, one of whom is also on the spectrum, are noticing the changes and doing better too.” When asked for tips on finding the right support, Vanessa was clear. “You have to have some ‘not negotiables’,” she says. “They must be insured and have Working With Children and Police Checks, and Mable has all that organised. Also, we want to be in control. We love Angus’s unique view of the world so we didn’t want him just to learn skills so he could conform to the norm. We want Angus’s support workers to be on his team, to celebrate him and help him achieve what he wants to achieve.” Vanessa and her partner appreciate that Mable empowers them with choice. They believe that being able to choose independent support workers that are a good fit and who provide continuity has been key to how far Angus has come.
At first, we took the traditional therapeutic approach and engaged a number of therapists, which was fine for a time, but we noticed that when it comes to the theory of his needs, he understands it. The couple have also been able to see how important it is for Angus to receive support from others. “We’re told we can be all things to our children but in these circumstances, you can’t. You have to figure out what you can focus on and deliver and where you need support for someone else to come and do that.” Learn more and start searching for support workers in your area at Mable.com.au
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