Meet the Advisors: Maggie
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Autism Connect is often the first place people turn when they have a question about autism. Maggie has been with the Autism Connect team for almost three years. As a parent of Autistic children, she brings both professional experience and personal insight to every call.
Here, she shares what she thinks people most misunderstand about Autistic people, and what she wants you to know before you pick up the phone.
Autism Connect Advisor, Maggie
What kinds of calls do you get?
It is mostly parents wanting to learn more about autism. The call we get the most is about getting a diagnosis for autism and how to get supports and therapists.
What makes a great call?
When the caller is proactive and you have been able to help them with their enquiry.
How does lived experience shape your work?
It gives me a good understanding of what it is like to be Autistic and a parent of Autistic children − how hard it can be and how rewarding it can be as well.
What makes a great day at work?
The team I work with and the wonderful people who call our service.
What does your role at Autism Connect actually involve day to day?
Answering the phone, web chats, replying to emails, taking down case notes, supporting my colleagues.
What surprised you most when you started?
The amount of calls we get each day and that every interaction is different − and sometimes can be very difficult.
How has the role changed the way you think about autism?
It has made me more aware of other people’s struggles − how unique and individual each Autistic person is.
What do you do to switch off after a big day?
I love to sew and make quilts. This is like therapy to me − and sometimes chocolate.
What drew you to this work?
It was introduced to me through a therapist who had a client who was looking for the right person for the role.
What do you think most people misunderstand about Autistic people and their families?
I find that people often think that Autistic people do not have empathy. They have a lot of empathy. Families also often have to go against the norm to create an inclusive environment for their Autistic family member.
What do you wish decision-makers understood about the people who contact Autism Connect?
That they appreciate this service and need it. It is a place where they feel heard and understood with no judgement − a place where they can get information about autism and ask the hard questions.
If you could change one thing about the systems Autistic people have to navigate, what would it be?
Making it user friendly − a place where they can go and get the support and information they are after without the pressure of constantly having to prove their autism.
What does listening well look like in this role?
Sometimes it’s just letting the caller talk. Or it could be that you have understood them and given them the support they were looking for.
What’s the hardest part of the job?
The caller who is overwhelmed and struggling.
What do you find most rewarding?
Knowing that you have helped people.
What kinds of calls stay with you?
The proactive caller. The caller that you helped when they were so overwhelmed.
What do you wish people knew before they picked up the phone?
That we are people just like them − carers, parents, Autistic.
Autism Connect is free and confidential. Call 1300 308 699, Monday to Friday, 8am–7pm. You can also contact us via email or webchat.