Hear from Matthieu, video division manager at IDNOVANT, the ÏDKIDS in-house communication agency, and Augustin, an apprentice student who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome.
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Matthieu, video division manager
“After many years supervising apprentice students, I met Augustin, a student diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. I admit I had some misgivings at first. But once I got to know him better, I felt reassured by how motivated and conscientious he was. Gérard Labbé, founder of the charity Le Mouton à 5 Pattes, was a big help and his advice gave me the confidence to embark on this journey. We arranged for Gérard to speak to the rest of the IDNOVANT team to explain exactly what Asperger’s syndrome is and ensure everyone was well-informed. We had to work together if we wanted Augustin to feel like a full member of the team. Augustin is already very familiar with the video postproduction process. We work with him progressively to make sure he masters each new element of the job. Although we haven’t had to modify the environment or his workstation, we have to be mindful of how we support him and his role in our projects, particularly when it comes to communicating information and instructions. At the same time, this is useful as it helps us to communicate clearly in a structured way. Having worked together for two years, it is clear that this first experience will be very rewarding for everyone involved and that Augustin will thrive in his role!”
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Augustin, student & assistant editor
“After my first interview with Matthieu, who agreed to take me on as an assistant editor at IDNOVANT, I started on my audiovisual training certificate. I knew I’d made the right decision after the first few weeks on the course. As well as making new friends, I was finally able to focus on training for a career I was passionate about. The last four weeks I’ve spent in the studio have already taught me new skills. Any worries I had about not understanding things because of my Asperger’s were alleviated by the support I received from my IDNOVANT colleagues, so I felt like I belonged.”
More about autism
Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder that first appears in children under the age of 3. It has three main symptoms: impaired communication, impaired social interaction and behavioural difficulties. It affects one person in 150 worldwide. In December 2007 the United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to create greater understanding of this disorder among the public.
