So one of the the things that I struggle with a lot is routine change. Recently I started at Merakey working as a Behavior Technician which is exactly what I wanted. But within a couple of weeks of starting there have been staffing changes and it has just thrown me a bit out of whack.
What keeps me going is my faith in the Lord. I keep trusting God, especially in a new environment where I have to do a lot of learning and quick. Staying in my word and talking to God about this and letting have control of the whole situation is the only way that I am able to maintain strength. I know that he has a plan and a purpose for why he put me at Merakey.
The spectrum is varied and each person with autism is different. Even though there are many who are barely autistic (what is now called Level 1 autism spectrum condition) there are also many that are level 2 and level 3. Many lower functioning autistic people don't know how to communicate and sometimes the only way that they know how to get someone's attention is by screaming or acting out. This is because of the fact that a lot of times they are overwhelmed or overloaded and because of this they are shutting down and sometimes the best strategy is just to wait it out.
There are various strategies but the least restrictive should always come first. The first goal should be to prevent further escalation if possible.
Having lived with several people on the spectrum life experiences have taught me this, and also my own life experiences with being level 1 autism have as well. There have been times where I have just shut down and just needed to get away from people and decompress. Sometimes I think that this spooks people a little bit and they are like what the heck is going on. But it's just my way of coping. A couple other coping mechanisms that I have learned as well are walking or just taking deep breaths.
Merakey is a great environment and I am glad to be there. The people and management are super! And the best thing is these are people that get me.
But the one that gets me the most is Jesus. I know he is always there walking with me and that He will give me the strength to do my job, even in the toughest situations.
God bless you all.
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