The challenges of everyday life
People with autism in Austria are often confronted with a variety of difficulties in everyday life. One key challenge is social interaction. Those affected often have difficulties interpreting non-verbal communication signals, such as facial expressions or body language. Many also find it difficult to understand and empathise with other people's emotions, which can lead to misunderstandings and social isolation. Conversations and interactions can become insurmountable hurdles for people with autism.
In addition, many people on the spectrum struggle with sensory hypersensitivity, which means that they are often particularly sensitive to certain stimuli such as loud noises, bright light or intense odours. Such sensory overloads can severely restrict life in everyday situations. Sudden changes or unexpected events can trigger stress and anxiety in those affected, making it difficult to participate in social life.
Professional integration: a particular challenge
Access to the labour market is often an additional hurdle for people with autism. Difficulties in social interaction and communication problems make it difficult to gain a foothold in conventional working environments. Workplaces are often not adapted to the needs of autistic people, which lowers the employment rate for people on the autism spectrum in Austria to well below average. Specific support measures are needed to integrate those affected into a working environment that meets their needs.
The BBRZ - support for people with autism
The Vocational Training and Rehabilitation Centre (BBRZ) Austria offers extensive support services to people with physical and mental disabilities, including people with autism. The aim of the BBRZ is to accompany those affected on their way to a working life that is as independent and fulfilling as possible. In addition to vocational rehabilitation counselling, the BBRZ offers tailor-made training and support programmes.
Special BBRZ programmes for people with autism
In the FOKUS project, the BBRZ supports people on the autism spectrum in their everyday professional and social lives and promotes their skills in these areas. Together, individual strengths, basic knowledge about ASD and professional interest and ability profiles are developed and support is provided in developing a professional perspective. The projects also include a customised search for an apprenticeship or job or work on maintaining an existing apprenticeship or employment relationship.
#schongenial that there are organisations like the BBRZ in Austria that help people to (re)enter working life.
