Meet the Advisors: Tim
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Autism Connect is often the first place people turn when they have a question about autism. Tim has been with the Autism Connect team for almost four years. Diagnosed with autism at age three, he brings a lifelong understanding of what it means to be Autistic to every call.
Here, he shares what he’s learned about listening, and what keeps him going on the hardest days.
Autism Connect Advisor, Tim
What kinds of calls do you get?
I get calls regarding various topics related to autism but the most common calls I get would be around autism assessment and school support.
What might people not know about your job?
That the work after a call takes about double the length of time as the actual call itself.
What does your role at Autism Connect actually involve day to day?
Mostly taking calls from the public, but it does also involve researching some topics to inform our advisors on what supports are out there for Autistic people.
How has the role changed the way you think about autism?
Before working at Amaze, I only knew how autism presented within myself. Working at Amaze has exposed me to how differently autism presents in so many different people. It’s helped me understand autism in a more holistic sense.
What do you do to switch off after a big day?
My main hobby is reading − mostly fantasy, science fiction and horror stories. I also play video games.
Is there something about your own background or experience that shapes how you approach this work?
I was diagnosed with autism when I was three years old. Because I’ve known that for most of my life, I imagine that’s shaped the way I approach work.
What does listening well look like in this role?
One trait that demonstrates that you are listening to another person is being able to summarise what they’ve said after they’ve finished speaking. It shows you’ve understood what they’ve said without needing to fall back on phrases like ‘I understand’.
What do you find most rewarding?
In the moments where we can’t help people, I find it rewarding when people say that I’ve made them feel better because they’ve found someone who is listening to them and taking them seriously. In some ways that is an indictment on how others have treated them − I would assume that would be the bare minimum effort people would put into issues like this − but in situations where people can’t even find that, I’m happy that we can provide that small comfort.
What kinds of questions do people most often bring to Autism Connect?
Questions relating to autism assessment, school supports and the NDIS are most common.
Autism Connect is free and confidential. Call 1300 308 699, Monday to Friday, 8am–7pm. You can also contact us via email or webchat.