Chapter 1: A New Journey Begins

Since May 2024, I have taken on the role of a support worker for individuals with neurodivergent conditions. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by my inexperience in this area. How could I connect with someone whose cognitive and sensory processing differs so significantly from mine?

This changed when I met a remarkable neurodivergent girl, whom I’ll refer to as Amazing. Over the course of a month, I had the opportunity to visit her ten times. Our typical outings included leisurely walks, library visits, and returning home. Amazing radiated a calmness reminiscent of a tranquil ocean shore, and she exhibited a strong preference for cleanliness and order.

This month, we had the chance to work at a school that offered sensory activities. We were taken aback by Amazing's response…

As part of the sensory play, we introduced various messy activities, including scented chia seeds, colored rice, and pasta. I had been cautioned that she might not appreciate these experiences, as she typically avoids messes. Thus, I anticipated a predictable reaction.

However, everything changed the moment she plunged her hands into the chia seed pudding. We witnessed a completely different side of Amazing; her laughter echoed through the room! It was incredibly fulfilling to see her joyfully engage in this activity. Waves of happiness washed over her, lingering well beyond that day.

It’s all too simple to pigeonhole individuals. I had expected her to prefer quiet and stillness. Yet, witnessing this new aspect of Amazing taught me a valuable lesson: Always remain open to the unexpected.

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Section 1.1: A Shift in Perspective

In my early days as a support worker, I often found myself relying on preconceived notions of how neurodivergent individuals would react to different situations. However, my experiences with Amazing challenged these assumptions.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Power of Play

Chapter 2: Learning to Listen

The video titled "What's it like to be a support worker at Autism Together - with Augustine Sunday" provides valuable insights into the experiences and challenges faced by support workers. In this video, Augustine shares personal stories and highlights the importance of adaptability and understanding in this vital role.