2.7 Give examples of the contribution that informal networks can make to supporting individuals with autism and their families

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism 2.7 Give examples of the contribution that informal networks can make to supporting individuals with autism and their families.

Informal Networks refer to the groups of people who are not paid professionals but offer support, friendship, and care to individuals with autism and their families. These networks include friends, extended family members, neighbours, community groups, and social clubs. Their involvement can be both consistent and sporadic, but their impact can be significant.

Emotional Support

Friends and Family play an important role in providing emotional support. They offer a shoulder to lean on, listen to concerns, and provide reassurance. This can be immensely helpful to families who often face stress, anxiety, and isolation. Emotional support can:

• Ease the daily emotional burden.
• Provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Offer a safe space to vent frustrations and share successes.

Example: A sibling of an autistic child may spend time with them, giving the parents a much-needed break. This sibling might also understand the specific needs and wants of their autistic brother or sister, ensuring that they feel supported and valued.

Practical Help

Informal networks can also offer practical support. This includes helping with day-to-day activities or providing occasional respite care.

Neighbours and Friends can:

• Assist with school runs or after-school care.
• Provide meals during particularly stressful periods.
• Help with household chores like gardening or shopping.

Example: A neighbour can take an autistic child to the park, giving the primary caregivers time to focus on other responsibilities or simply rest.

Social Inclusion

Informal networks foster social inclusion and community integration. Social interactions can be challenging for individuals with autism. Informal networks make these interactions easier and more approachable.

Community Groups and Clubs can:

• Include autistic individuals in their events and activities.
• Make adjustments to accommodate their specific needs.
• Offer structured social situations where they can practise social skills.

Example: A local football club can create an inclusive environment by allowing an autistic teenager to participate, giving them opportunities to make friends and learn teamwork.

Skill Development

Informal networks can also contribute to the development of life skills. These skills are essential for independence and self-esteem.

Extended Family Members might:

• Teach cooking or other essential life skills.
• Assist with homework or special education needs.
• Involve them in hobbies or new interests.

Example: An aunt might teach a child with autism how to bake, providing not only a fun activity but also practical skills.

Advocacy and Understanding

Informal networks often play a role in advocating for the needs and rights of individuals with autism. By educating themselves, they can spread awareness and understanding within the wider community.

Friends and Extended Family can:

• Promote autism awareness in their social circles.
• Defend the rights of the autistic individual in various settings.
• Encourage a positive and accepting attitude in the community.

Example: A friend who learns about autism can correct misconceptions in casual conversations, promoting greater acceptance and understanding.

Financial Support

Though less common, informal networks can sometimes provide financial support, easing the burden on families.

Close Friends and Extended Family might:

• Help pay for therapy or educational resources.
• Offer financial assistance during emergencies.
• Assist with costs related to extracurricular activities.

Example: An uncle might contribute towards the cost of a special summer camp designed for children with autism.

Advantages of Informal Networks

Informal networks:

• Bolster Formal Support: They supplement the care provided by healthcare professionals and support workers.
• Provide Continuity: They offer ongoing support that remains consistent even when formal services fluctuate.
• Create Stronger Bonds: They help build trusting relationships that positively impact both the individual with autism and their family.

Building and Strengthening Informal Networks

In the role of a support worker, you must encourage families to build and strengthen these informal networks. Here are some strategies:

Encourage Open Communication:

• Suggest families talk openly about autism to demystify it.
• Promote discussions about the specific needs and preferences of the autistic individual.

Facilitate Community Engagement:

• Help identify local groups or clubs that support inclusivity.
• Encourage participation in community events and activities.

Use Existing Relationships:

• Motivate families to reach out to extended family members and old friends.
• Suggest ways friends and neighbours can get involved in simple yet meaningful ways.

Example answers for unit 2.7 Give examples of the contribution that informal networks can make to supporting individuals with autism and their families

Example 1:
Friends and family provide essential emotional support to individuals with autism and their families. A close friend might regularly check in with the family, offering a listening ear when they need to talk about their struggles or celebrate their successes. This helps the family feel supported and less isolated.

Example 2:
Neighbours can offer much-needed practical assistance. For instance, a neighbour might help with school runs or babysit occasionally, giving parents a break. This practical support can be invaluable, especially during busy or stressful periods.

Example 3:
Local community groups and clubs can foster social inclusion. An example would be a community sports club that includes an autistic child in their activities. The club can make small adjustments to accommodate the child’s needs, providing a safe space for social interaction and skill-building.

Example 4:
Extended family members can contribute to skill development. An aunt, for example, may spend time teaching an autistic child how to cook or engage in other daily activities. This not only helps the child learn essential life skills but also builds a strong, supportive relationship.

Example 5:
Friends and extended family often act as advocates for individuals with autism. By educating themselves about autism, they can challenge misconceptions and promote understanding within their wider social circles. This helps create a more inclusive and accepting community.

Example 6:
Sometimes, informal networks can provide financial support. For example, a grandparent might help pay for specialised therapy or educational resources. This financial assistance can relieve some of the burden on the family, allowing them to access necessary services for their child’s development.

Final Thoughts

Informal networks make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with autism and their families. They provide emotional support, practical help, and opportunities for social inclusion and skill development. They also play a role in advocacy and, occasionally, financial support. As a support worker, understanding and promoting the contribution of informal networks enables families to tap into a resource that complements formal support systems. By doing so, we can help create a comprehensive, caring environment that nurtures the well-being of individuals with autism.