Stories from the Spectrum

This week (1-7 April) is Autism Awareness Week where people across the UK take part in activities to help raise money and awareness for autism and the National Autistic Society.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. Autism is a spectrum condition. All people on the autism spectrum learn and develop and with the right level of support, all can be helped to live a more fulfilling life of their own choosing.

Today, we hear from ’Scott’ who has Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As such, he requires additional support in all areas of his life to help promote his independence and allow him to access learning and pursue his interests. 

Scott was approaching the end of a college course specifically designed for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, as is the case for many such students, especially those with autism, there simply aren’t many opportunities available to them, specifically in employment.

When Scott was referred to Stirling Council’s Supported Employment service, the team there reached out to our Disability steering group to ask if there were any work placement opportunities available at Royal Mail.

Scott began working two days per week at his local parcel collections office in Springkerse in late December. As it was during the height of our peak Christmas period, the office was extremely busy, so there was plenty for Scott to deal with. The team however, were incredibly helpful and a great insight was gained into what Scott was capable of in a work environment and most importantly, what he enjoyed about the work. As a result, he was invited back to Springkerse after Christmas to give him more time to develop his skills.

Over the past three months, Scott has been getting stuck in with all aspects of the job. He particularly likes doing Door to Door as he enjoys the repetitive nature of the tasks and is very meticulous in ensuring everything is done correctly. He has progressed so well that he is now doing this independently or at least, with the minimum amount of supervision.

Scott has made himself a part of the team by being a productive co-worker and getting involved in tasks that reflect the duties of any other colleague. He is now very comfortable in the office and enjoys his tea breaks in the staff room, just as long as he has switched the radio off when he starts his shift because he doesn’t like the noise! Something which is quite common with people who have autism. The important thing is that Scott’s colleagues are all very understanding and supportive of his needs.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to procurement manager, Suzanna Bailey and resourcing and talent manager, Calum Davidson for coordinating Scott’s time with Royal Mail and to all the fantastic colleagues at Stirling Delivery Office for their continued support to Scott – something which is having life-changing consequences for him.