Supporting an autistic man to build confidence and socialise

Actions and outcomes

North Wales IAS (NW IAS) provided support for a young man that had become socially isolated.  This client was unemployed and had no friends. He did not socialise and found even a trip to the local supermarket to be overwhelming and distressing.

 

NW IAS completed a Spectrum Outcome Star to look at the 9 points of life skills so that they could identify the main areas causing concern.  The Spectrum Star focuses on what the client needs to change to achieve their chosen outcomes.

 

This client struggled with their communication and social skills and was unable to engage with others. This was causing a barrier to any progression.

 

NW IAS started working with the client with small steps.  The client would go to their local supermarket and use the serviced till, each time trying to use one or two words to interact with the cashier. After some progression with this, the IAS started to look at outdoor social groups that had little to no pressure of conversation, but the chance to participate in a group.  The client started to attend outdoor groups for walks and then this slowly progressed in to craft groups.  The client now also joins in with an online social group and attends meetings for walks and recently went to a music festival.

 

This client has gone from being totally isolated to now socialising on a regular basis. Although there are still more progressions to be made, their increased confidence and the positive difference this has made to their life has started to show. The NW IAS are continuing to support this client along their path as and when needed.

Feedback

The client reports that they feel more confident that they are making progress. They would like to attend more social groups when available.

 

They have also just started to attend NW IAS’ ‘Understanding Autism’ group and feel they are engaging well.

Lessons Learned

Sometime clients may need more time to achieve their goals. Confidence may take some time to develop. Extra time to allow the clients to achieve their full potential.

Information

Health Board:
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Local Authority:
Unknown
Integrated Autism Service:
North Wales IAS
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