Job

[vaneramos]

Starting next Thursday, I have a job once a week looking after a friend's autistic 13-year-old son for 90 minutes after school. I'll call him Luke. I know the family through Two Rivers, and have spent time around Luke before. He has a pleasant disposition, likes science and science fiction, and has recently become an avid reader.

This happened because the previous social worker stopped coming to their appointments. Luke's mother will be able to get the financial assistance she receives to pay me directly rather than hiring someone through an agency.

I have no experience in this field, except from raising two active daughters of my own. Although I'm not necessarily comfortable around kids, I have grown into being patient and respectful toward them, and apparently they're comfortable around me. At least that's my interpretation of why I received this offer. Our mutual friend Laura probably orchestrated this.

Luke's mother suggested we could spend time at the public library, where we can play board games and I can help him with his homework. Luke also wants to write a book, but has trouble with fine motor skills, so he could dictate it to me.

This isn't the kind of challenge I had anticipated in easing back into employment. It won't be easy. It will stretch my creativity. I'm scared, but have nothing to lose by trying.

Comments

[quirkstreet.livejournal.com]

It sounds, just ... wow. Exciting, a bit scary, a challenge, and rather wonderful.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I suppose Laura thinks, as a few people have suggested, that I might make a great social worker. I am capable of considerable patience and empathy, I just don't think I would like to do it all day every day on demand. But this looks like a stretching experience, and one that I mustn't turn down. Besides, there is the considerable self-esteem to be garnered from being paid for work, even if it's just a little work.

[lichtgespinst.livejournal.com]

it could be a wonderful little job. All you can do is give it a shot and see how it's going i believe.
Autistic or not, it's always a matter of feeling comfortable with each other and that's nothing that can be commanded.
I hope it works out.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I've found him relatively easy to be around, otherwise I couldn't have accepted this offer. He has some odd habits and mannerisms which, not surprisingly, drive his mother crazy (he likes to be involved and helpful, so he tends to get in the way), but to me they are harmless and almost endearing. Mostly, he seems like a senstive and thoughtful teenager, not that different from how I was.

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

One of the things that you exhibit which I find really appealling was your ability to just be at ease at your own speed. This must translate well to him. And really who wouldn't want to be with someone who reserves judgement.

Namaste
Connor

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I was certainly at ease around you. Actually, I tend to be nervous in most social situations because I have a lifelong, background anxiety about people not liking me or finding me tedious. Particularly so with children and teenagers. Ironically people usually do like me, children in particular. Luke himself doesn't seem like a judgmental type, and enjoys the company of adults, so I'll probably be able to relax with him quickly enough.

Cheers,
Van