Upon completing their education, people presenting autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) should, like any other adults, be incorporated into the labour market in accordance with their training and interests. Nevertheless, many persons with ASD face a wide range of obstacles when trying to access different options of the job market. This is due to a number of factors: the difficulties frequently encountered by people with disabilities when finding a job; the fact that they need more time or supervision to continue their education and training; or, in other cases, the fact that they have limitations that generate a high level of dependence on others. With the aim of responding to their needs and providing the support required to help them become integrated into different aspects related to adult life, GAUTENA offers a day centre service.

¿HOW CAN YOU ACCESS THIS SERVICE?

This service for adults with ASD is co-ordinated with social services. Anyone who thinks that a family member may require this type of support should contact either their local social work public agency or GAUTENA directly. If appropriate, we will pass on the request to the Gipuzkoa Provincial Government’s Base Centre where it will be assessed and the necessary support established.

¿WHAT DO WE AIM TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS SERVICE?

The aim of the service is to provide the necessary support to all Gipuzkoan citizens presenting ASD, in order to facilitate their comprehensive development as adults. Although it is important to help them find a job, other aspects such as their personal development, the gaining of the skills required to participate in community life and the continuation of their training after leaving formal education are also vital.

¿HOW DOES THE SERVICE WORK?

Adults with ASD are by no means all the same, having widely different interests, personal circumstances and support needs. As a result, in many cases, the support mechanisms need to be provided individually or in very small groups. Each person accessing the service is provided with a customised support plan which is revised on an annual basis by all the professionals involved and the person’s legal guardians. The client him or herself is also involved as much as possible in this process. Our aim is to help them lead an interesting life; to have experiences that provide them with knowledge and satisfaction. In certain cases, persons work in different centres but come to our day centres in order to learn and improve their personal, professional or social life. In others, clients come to our day centres during the day so that, with more intense and specialist help, they can engage in activities in both the centre itself and the community. Such activities cover many different areas, including knowledge of their environment, use of sporting and cultural facilities and other available resources. Our goal is to help persons with ASD to enjoy an similar active life that the rest of the population has. At the day centres we only carry out key activities that cannot be carried out in community environments, always with the aim of creating opportunities for learning and participating, with the support of professionals who ensure clients´ well-being and a satisfactory quality of life.

If you would like to find out more about us, please write to the following e-mail address cad@gautena.org or call 943 215344. To find out more about autism and our services, visit http://www.gautena.org/