Axel: Living life his way

It’s been a year since ConneXu came to the Bay of Plenty and started supporting people here to live their best lives. Now with up to 9 houses in the bay, supporting nearly 30 people, we thought we would bring you an update on how some of the people we support are going.

Meet Axel.

Axel has been living in his own Tauranga flat with a ConneXu supporter for a year now. Axel was new to ConneXu when he first moved in and has always needed high levels of support.

Axel is 21 years old, autistic and has been diagnosed with a cyclical mood disorder. This means that he can become upset with any changes or surprises in his environment, as well as when experiencing extremes. Things like an upset child, a cyclist going by, the heat of summer, or crowds, are all things that can result in him becoming distressed.

If he becomes particularly upset, this can manifest in Axel self-harming.

As Axel also has epilepsy and a permanently dislocated shoulder, it is even more vital that his environment and level of support are well considered so that he is safe and happy. For example, it is very important that Axel’s home and the section around it have level ground and flooring as steps can be a hazard if he has an epileptic seizure. Also, when being helped to dress, supporters are very careful of his shoulder.

Because of his particular needs, Kathy, Axel’s Mum, always had trouble finding the right support for him. “There were never many choices, particularly because of his age.” She says.

“Genuinely, the team that we’ve got for Axel, I love them. He is really well supported to do the things that he enjoys. The staff seem to read him really well – I feel like they understand Axel and deal with his psychotic episodes well, and in fact these have lessened. Before ConneXu, we found that staff couldn’t read Axel, and they had to resort to medication rather than changing his environment.

“His supporters now pick up on his non-verbal cues, and know what he wants to do for the day. They have taken the time to find out what he enjoys, and he gets to decide what he is going to do.

“He loves driving – it seems to soothe him. And he knows that staff will take notice when he requests it by going to stand by the garage door. Even if this is 6-7 times a day – they just do it.” Says Kathy.

Axel has free reign around the section and can often be found jumping on the trampoline, watching his movies or enjoying food he likes. “Mostly he is happy, and for Axel that is great. This is because the anxiety and frustration that he feels from life has been lessened.” Explains Kathy.

“Since he’s been with ConneXu, I’m less stressed about how he is doing each day, and what the staff are doing, or not doing. I feel like I’m heard and they listen to what I think. They’ll send me a video or photos of what he’s doing. I’m a respected part of his team, instead of an interloper. It is never a nuisance to let me know about my son. The communication with ConneXu is fantastic.” Says Kathy.

Kathy visits Axel whenever she likes. “Sometimes this is every day, sometimes this is 3 times a week. Or it could be that I go away for a week. I can do a video call with him if he’s in a good space. The staff will read how he is and organise it.” She explains.

“Axel’s supporters are so genuine in their desire to do what’s best for Axel, and what he wants. I can hear through all of it that they want what’s best for me, as well as Axel.”