The following FAQs will help identify the mentoring process and how it can help you.
If you have any further questions, please CONTACT US.
What is a specialist mentor?
A specialist autism mentor is an individual who is trained to provide personal and professional advice to autistic adults. The mentor will help you to address issues that are currently holding you back, develop strategies to move forward and prepare for, find and maintain paid or voluntary employment.
How will a mentor help me?
Mentoring support is tailored to each individual’s needs and existing strengths and will often address sensory issues, social and communication skills, as well as dealing with stress and anxiety.
The employment-focused support will focus on the unwritten rules of the workplace, the expectations of managers and colleagues, CV preparation, identifying suitable vacancies, drafting cover letters, completing job applications, interview preparation and support at interview. The support can also continue once you are in employment to help deal with any issues that may arise.
How do I find a mentor?
Consult our LIST OF MENTORS for details of specialist mentors across the country.
Mentoring support can also be provided via phone, email, text or Skype as well as face-to-face meetings, so you may be able to get support from a mentor who is based in a different area.
Note: During the current Covid-19 outbreak, all mentoring will be provided remotely (via phone, email, text or Skype) rather than face-to-face.
What is the process once I have identified a mentor?
Many mentors and organisations will be able to offer you an initial consultation free of charge. Please contact them directly to see if they will do this for you.
If the mentor is able to provide appropriate support and you are unable to fund the cost of mentoring yourself, they will help you to fill in a grant application form that will be sent to AUTISM FORWARD and the trustees will assess whether you meet the GRANT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.
While we take care to ensure that the details of the mentors listed are accurate, please be aware that all of the mentors are entirely independent of AUTISM FORWARD and we are not responsible for the actions of any mentor. It is your responsibility to determine whether a particular mentoring service is appropriate for you and meets the standards you require.
