Ash helps neurodivergent job seekers build their ideal careers
Joining a pilot program for neurodivergent job seekers gave Ash the support and confidence he needed to succeed.
Ash had always been a determined and creative person, with a love of learning, drawing and writing. As a teenager, Ash began to experience symptoms of a neurological condition that impacted his ability to study and function in school. By 17, these had progressed to a stage he was unable to continue studies. And at 19, he was a full-time wheelchair user.
“I was trying to find a balance between what I was capable of doing with my disabilities including autism and ADHD and meeting my own (too high) expectations around what it would look like to succeed in my passions,” Ash said. “I was burning out faster than I could recover.”
When Ash met with the team at MatchWorks, he was incredibly anxious about how to navigate his life and desire for a career while managing his health.
Getting support, building skills and developing confidence
The team suggested Ash join a new MatchWorks program focused on supporting neurodivergent participants into work. Developed in collaboration with Autism CRC, the program helped Ash build new connections, life skills, and confidence while setting employment goals.
Ash eagerly participated, receiving support with writing his resume and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and ways to overcome employment challenges.
“I appreciated the constant communication around how to navigate workplace barriers and what challenges can be solved through self-advocacy and leaning on external supports,” Ash said.
He also enjoyed the supportive culture at MatchWorks, having previously experienced abuses of power as someone with a disability.
“I had none of that fear anytime my wheels rolled into the MatchWorks building,” Ash said. “The team were the most wonderful, welcoming, supportive and helpful people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.”
Since joining the program, Ash’s perfectionist tendencies, which had become self-destructive, have significantly lessened. He moved somewhere that is neurodivergent friendly and very accessible for him. He has collaborated with other neurodivergent content creators, continuing to use the tools he learned in the pilot program.
“Knowing that when I have concerns, I will be heard and understood opens more doors and opportunities than anything else,” Ash said. “I know that my passions and aspirations matter and that someone will help advocate and uplift my voice, highlighting my value and my accommodation requirements.”
Ash is now using his experience to help other neurodivergent job seekers
“I have now started at MatchWorks as a Co Facilitator for the Get Set for Work program, teaching and encouraging Neurodivergent youth and helping them build these same skills and find themselves and the building blocks for their ideal career pathways and futures.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the team and working alongside so many amazing and wonderful people and organisations; especially onboard such an amazing program that will be such a pivotal changer in the mentality around neurodivergence and work for the participants and future employers.”
“I genuinely appreciate and respect everyone I have met throughout this journey, and I am really grateful for such a wonderful culture within a support service.”
If you identify as neurodivergent and are ready to take the next step in your career, we can help you unlock your full potential and achieve your professional goals. Learn more about how we support neurodivergent job seekers across a range of programs and services, including Skilling Queenslanders for Work and iNDEPth Neurodivergent Inclusion Program.