Patrícia Castanha, an administrative secretary at FPDA – Federação Portuguesa de Autismo, shares her journey of overcoming challenges and embracing her strengths as an autistic individual. From the positive experiences she gained through vocational education and training to the strategies she developed to improve her communication skills, her story is one of resilience and determination.
Job she’s working is perfectly aligned with her strengths and autism traits, since Patrícia thrives through organization, punctuality, and determination – never stopping until a task is completed.
Tune in and listen to Patrícia’s inspiring story.
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Episode Transcipt
Q: You had a positive experience in your vocational education and training. What aspects made it so valuable for you?
A: One of the most important aspects was the opportunity of joining the public school. There I learned to deal with every kind of person and face multiple situations including rejection.
It was also important my decision to choose a technical course because this gave me the opportunity to attend several “on job training” stages to practice what I’ve learned.
Through these “on job training” stages I was able to prepare myself and realize my dream of having a job to allow me to reach my independence.
Q: You highlighted communication as one of your biggest challenges. What strategies help you in overcoming communication challenges?
A: I’ve just started talking at the age of five and even now I have some difficulties in expressing myself what I mean.
I had speech therapy training, attended theater classes and read many books.
Something that has helped me a lot is not to be a shame of making mistakes wend I speak.
Q: What are some autism traits that help you in your job as an administrative secretary?
A: I´m assiduous, punctual and organized.
One of my main characteristics is that when I start a task, I don’t stop till I finish it.
I like to organize and file documents but most important is to complete one task at the time.
Q: What aspects of the workplace environment do you like?
A: I like teamwork at the office instead of working online at home.
Q: Before joining FPDA, did you apply for or work in any other jobs? What were some aspects of those experiences that you enjoyed? What challenges did you face?
A: My first and only job was at FPDA.
I´ve been registered at the employment center here in Lisbon but they only provided me with a few unpaid training courses.
FPDA was the only Institution that believed in me and gave me this opportunity.
Q: How does technology support you in your daily life and work?
A: Technology helps me a lot. I have applications on my mobile phone to provide me with information on site locations, city transport and timetables. I also use the translator tool a lot.
At the daily job I use the service computer to receive and send mail, produce documents, register data and information.
Videoconference is also a tool that I often use.
Q: What message would you like to share with someone on the spectrum who is currently looking for a job?
Never give up on your dreams!
Always fight to reach your goals!