Companion for 16 -year -old Autistic Male in Durbanville area

We
are seeking a patient, creative, and resilient companion to support a 16‑year‑old
autistic teen with a PDA profile. The teen in question is bright, imaginative
and talkative, with a deep fascination for dinosaurs and a strong interest in
becoming a YouTuber. He thrives with humour, patience, and stimulating
activities that help him engage with the world around him. The role is central
to creating greater structure and consistency in his daily routine.

The
teen requires a companion who can bring calm, flexible energy, support his
daily functioning, and encourage life skills through practical, engaging
experiences. The ideal candidate will be neuro -affirming, physically capable,
and able to balance patience with creativity, helping him navigate routines,
explore his interests, and build independence.

Purpose of the Role:

To provide steady,
structured, and compassionate support at home and in during outings, focusing
on daily routines, stimulating activities, and creative projects. The companion
will help manage transitions, explore his YouTube ambitions, and engage in life
skills, while ensuring his environment remains supportive, safe, and affirming.

Job Objectives:

·        Support
the teen’s daily routines (including showering, brushing teeth and hair,
dressing and cleaning nails)

·        Approach
routines with patience and consistency, while allowing him to set the pace
instead of forcing compliance.

·        Provide
choices when requests are made, allowing him to decide without pressure.

·        Model
calm responses when he is “stuck,” offering options and humour to ease
transitions, rather than rigid instructions.

·        Facilitate
outings such as joining the Tyger Valley game room, attending festivals (e.g.,
Kite Festival in Bloubergstrand), visiting animal farms, walking his dog, and
spending time at dams, beaches, and parks.

·        Engage
in board games, reading, and fun group activities, while also being comfortable
with providing quiet companionship, or simply relax together with a movie when
he is unable to participate in activities.

·        Encourage
and assist with YouTube content creation, offering technical guidance and
creative ideas.

·        Act
as a scribe when needed, supporting communication and expression.

·        Assist
with life skills and exposure to experiences outside the home.

·        Maintain
a safe, affirming environment, sensitive to sensory needs, food preferences,
and unusual behaviours—never showing judgment, reprimanding, or
raising/changing tone of voice.

·        Provide
physical support when required.

·        Collaborate
with his mother to ensure consistency and relief in caregiving.

Requirements

Personal Qualities

·       Patient,
calm, and resilient, able to remain grounded during long periods of being
“stuck.”

·       Fun,
humorous, and creative, bringing laughter and stimulation into daily life.

·       Neuro‑affirming,
respectful of autism and PDA, with lived experience or strong awareness.

·       Physically
capable of assisting with bathing and other tasks requiring strength.

·       Flexible
and reliable, able to adapt to his needs and family routines.

·       Animal
lover (family has four cats and a Yorkie).

·       Non‑judgmental,
low -arousal approach

Skills

·       Ability to
plan and implement engaging, structured routines – Essential.

·       Strong
patience and problem‑solving skills when routines break down – Essential.

·       Creative
thinking to support YouTube projects and imaginative projects – Essential.

·       Excellent
communication with the teen and his caregiver – Essential.

·       Holds a
valid driver’s licence and has a reliable car – Essential.

Knowledge

·       Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and PDA – Essential.

·       Awareness of trauma‑informed, neuro‑affirming approaches – Essential.

·       Familiarity with YouTube content creation – Desirable.

·        Weekdays:
09:30 – 14:30 or 10:00 – 15:00 (approximately 6 hours daily, with slow, gradual
settling in).

Benefits

·        Support
and training from the Facilitation Academy over 4–6 weeks, including online
modules, individual sessions, and access to resources.

·        Opportunity
to make a meaningful difference in an autistic teen’s daily life and long‑term
independence.

·        Salary:
Competitive, aligned with experience and qualifications.

·        Petrol
for transporting the teen reimbursed at AA rates per kilometre.