Custom Supports and Training
Let’s face it—supporting someone with autism isn’t a one-size-fits-all task. But here’s the kicker: too many service providers train their workers with generalised skills that don’t even scratch the surface of what the autistic community in Perth actually needs. Tasks like learning to use a hoist or assist with showering may apply to some, but they often miss the mark entirely for autistic individuals who need more nuanced, tailored support.
At Alyv, we’re shaking things up. Our support workers don’t just receive generic training—they are trained in-house by autistic people who bring their lived experience to the table. Through a best-practice framework that prioritises individualised care, we’re focused on giving each client exactly what they need to thrive. In this blog, we’ll walk you through why this approach matters and how it’s changing the game for autism supports in Perth.
1. The Problem with Generalised Training: Not Everyone Needs a Hoist
Let’s start with the elephant in the room—many support workers are trained with skills like manual handling, toileting, or managing mobility aids. While these are essential for some clients, they aren’t always relevant to those with autism. The disconnect leaves workers with tools they never use, while people are left without the support that really matters.
Practical Tip: When choosing a support provider, ask how their workers are trained. Look for providers that offer specialised autism training, not just general disability education.
2. Lived Experience of Neurodiversity is the Best Teacher
How can someone understand autism without ever experiencing it? At Alyv, we believe the best way to train support workers is by learning directly from autistic people. Lived experience brings insight that textbooks and training manuals simply can’t offer. Our trainers provide practical advice on everything from de-escalating meltdowns to understanding what independence means for each person.
As Dr. Stephen Shore, an autism advocate, famously said, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” No two journeys are the same—and that’s exactly why Alyv’s in-house training is so powerful.
3. Shifting the Focus: Individualised Skills Matter Most
Standard training tends to lump all disabilities together, but support for autism requires a completely different mindset. Our workers learn to focus on individual clients’ needs rather than following a blanket approach. For one person, that might mean helping them practice small talk to feel more comfortable at social events. For another, it could mean creating visual schedules to ease transitions between tasks.
Evidence shows that personalised support improves outcomes. A study from 2022 shows that Autistic people that are connected with their autistic peers have better mental health outcomes than those without input from their neurokin.
4. Building Trust Through Familiarity and Rapport
Training isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about connection. At Alyv, workers learn the importance of building trust with each client. This means understanding their triggers, interests, and communication preferences. Rather than overwhelming someone with too much information at once, our staff meet clients where they are at. We provide in-house training on topics such as trauma, neuroaffirming practice, declarative language and more. We ensure our team have adaptive resources and training for each person they support.
“Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about empowering people,” says Brigette Hyacinth, international keynote speaker & author; and we couldn’t agree more! Leaders grow leaders they don’t make followers!
5. In-House Training Creates Consistency and Quality
Alyv’s in-house training system ensures that every worker receives education and feedback. Built on proven individual strategies and best practices and tailored for every clients individual needs. Unlike outsourced training programs, we ensure that every team member is equipped with the tools and resources provide meaningful support. This consistency helps both workers and the people they support feel confident in their routines and interactions. Staff are also given training on general principals that related to all people we work with like privacy and confidentiality and more. We also use a collection of resources and literature to guide and educate staff such as Dr. Ross Greene. The works of Tony Attwood and one of our favourite PDA voices Sally Cat are also on the list!
Practical Tip: When choosing autism supports in Perth, ask if the staff receive ongoing, in-house training that reflects the specific needs of their clients. This guarantees higher quality of service.
6. Meeting Sensory and Emotional Needs, Not Just Physical Ones
For many autistic people, sensory needs can have a significant impact on daily life. Unfortunately, most support training programs focus on physical needs—like mobility—while leaving sensory regulation strategies out of the equation. Alyv’s training equips workers with the skills to help clients create sensory-friendly environments and handle emotional challenges like shutdowns or meltdowns.
Research supports this shift in focus. A review, published in 2024, confirms the relationship between autism and sensory processing differences and how meeting sensory needs improves outcomes for autistic people.
7. The Alyv Difference: Support Built Around You
At Alyv, we recognise that each person is unique and requires different kinds of support. Our approach isn’t about checking off a generic list—it’s about developing a custom support plan based on you. We believe that support should feel like a partnership, not just assistance. That’s why we see each client as a whole, not just a set of symptoms or a label.
Practical Tip: Are you exploring supports for autism in Perth? Look for providers that work collaboratively with you or your loved one to create a support plan and relevant staff training and resources. This ensures that the support you receive is meaningful and effective.
Wrapping It Up: Real Support Starts with Listening to Autistic Voices
The truth is, real support isn’t about ticking off boxes on a training checklist. It’s about listening, learning, and meeting people where they are at. Alyv is committed to training through the lens of lived experience and ensuring the supports we offer make a difference. By ditching generic training in favour of tailored care, we help each individual achieve their goals.
When it comes to autism supports in Perth, it’s time for a new approach—one that prioritises what people need, not what others think they need. And at Alyv, that’s exactly what we deliver.
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