The location of this job will be mainly in Pudsey LS28 and local community. However, as the child is attending a school in Meanwood/Moortown, it is also feasible if something can be arranged in the areas between school and home, such as Headingley, Kirkstall, etc .

I am looking for a personal assistant for my 10-year-old-boy, who has Autism, ADHD and symptoms of PDA, to promote independence and social experience.

He likes Lego, swimming, bouncy castle, trampoline, calculator, playground, soft play, column calculation, and a walk. Due to the incapacity to cope with noise and busy environment, he cannot concentrate on the activities, even his favourites, for a relatively lengthy period. He gets tired quickly. When you work with him, you need to observe the environment and his status, and you may need to take him to a quiet place or a walk to help him regulate when he feels over-stimulated.

The child has difficulties in sensory processing, communication and emotional regulation. He can become very upset, crying and screaming, when things aren’t on his terms. You would need to be confident to de-escalate the heightened situations.

The child may impulsively try to do things for a reaction ( especially when around other children). When it gets busy on playground, you will need to guide him - verbally and physically - to take turns and promote socially accepted behaviour. If he is unable to do so, you will need to guide him to a less-people-used equipment without causing his emotional outbursts.

He doesn’t require physical support with personal care but does need a consistent reminder to wash hands, not picking nose or biting fingers etc.

Demand Avoidance means that he hates to be praised, ‘controlled’ and often does things opposite to what you have told/expected him. He needs to have the last say. You need to remember NOT to praise him 'good boy', 'well done' or ' good job' at any time.

He may run to toilets, hand driers and lifts when these things/symbols are in his sight. This means that when you are out about, you need to be vigilant and prevent him from running towards them without you/your permission.

We have a super-friendly 7 year old Labrador at home.

constant supervision side by side in playground, soft play, trampoline park, swimming pool and other areas, prompting social rules and correct behaviours but not using praise or rewards.

explore a range of activities he will like to do with you together, it can include visiting buildings with lifts, trampoline, soft play, playground, swimming and so on.

support to go to parks together during school holidays, such as Stockeld Park.

to support independence, life skills and social well-being.

keep in touch and socialise with family and friends

do hobbies such as dog walking or playing on climbing frame

attend social events such as the cinema

These duties may vary from day to day.

Honest, reliable, punctual, non-judgemental, ability to

build good relationships based on trust and respect, flexible, adaptable,

easy going, able to work alone, positive, willingness to travel, understands

equality and diversity.

6 hours per week in term time & 8 hours per week during school holidays.
2 to 3 times a week.

Weekday afternoons from 2:30pm and Weekends.

Some flexibility if mutually agreed. But this needs to be well planned and enough notice to be given in advance as the child requires great predictability.

Essential:

Knowledge of autism, ADHD, PDA and challenging behaviour.

Experience of working with children having Autism and ADHD.

Clam nature and flat speaking tone.

Be confident of dealing with challenging behaviour and de-escalate the dysregulation.

calm nature and flat speaking tone.

confidentiality

good at building relationships

good communicator

a good listener

ability to support people with challenging behaviour