Lewes Forum thread

Go on, tell 'em what you think

Lewes Forum New message

Bricklayer/Aspergers

On 5 Feb 2013 at 4:57pm Pilgarlic wrote:

Hello, I support a 20 year old man with Aspergers Syndrome(high functioning autism). He has recently finished a three year City and Guilds Diploma in Bricklaying. I have seen some of his work and it's fantastic. He terms himself as an improver as he has never worked 'on site' and has no experience of digging foundations. Due to the nature of Aspergers he does experience high levels of anxiety and finds social situations extremely difficult, therefore working on a site is not ideal, it is probably realistic to also say that he would work thoroughly but slowly.I am wondering if someone knows of a bricklayer who works on small individual projects who would be willing to give this guy the opportunity to work with him/her for maybe one or two days a week.He is prepared to work on a voluntary basis, and can travel independently. Ideally this would be great opportunity to gain some practical work experience, and develop his self confidence and social skills. I can also provide some training on Aspergers if necessary. If anyone can help please post and I will give my number. We have exhausted all conventional means of finding employment for this man , especially in light of the current economic situation and lack of funding in social care.

On 5 Feb 2013 at 5:21pm dad wrote:

My son has Aspergers, and he is a really good, hard working, clever boy. Just hindered with anxiety. Go on, give him ago!

On 5 Feb 2013 at 5:51pm Southover Queen wrote:

What a pleasure to read your message, Pilgarlic. There is someone I would ask about this, but I'd anticipate two questions. The first would be that many tradespeople (brickies, builders) who might be happy to give this young man a chance would be concerned that they would spend too long supervising him or reassuring him and that their own work rate would be affected. The other concern I think they'd raise would be whether their insurance would cover him on site and particularly whether there's anything in his history which might affect their site insurance. Could I suggest that you post an email address? If you don't want to share yours, it's really easy to set up a special gmail or similar one, so that people who might be interested in helping can contact you directly.

On 5 Feb 2013 at 7:10pm Pilgarlic wrote:

Thanks for the response/advice , Southover Queen. I think any job where speed is of the essence is a mon starter

On 5 Feb 2013 at 7:18pm Southover Queen wrote:

I understand that, Pilgarlic. It was more that someone he was working with might end up spending so much time with him that they couldn't get on with their own work!

On 5 Feb 2013 at 7:23pm Pilgarlic wrote:

Thanks for the response/advice, Southover Queen. Working on a site where speed is essential is probably a non starter. The ideal situation would be someone who works alone on small jobs(garden wall repairs?)and who would appreciate some help. With regard to insurance he has Aspergers that's all , this wouldn't impact on existing insurance premiums. My email address is pilgarlic62@gmail.com.