'I'm autistic and never thought I'd be a teaching assistant'

A man has spoken of his joy at securing his "dream job" as a teaching assistant, after overcoming the challenges he faced during his own school years.

Ben McAuley, 21, is autistic, and said he "always struggled" at school, explaining he didn't think it would be possible to achieve his goal of working in education.

Services offered by North Yorkshire Council helped him to gain the qualifications and experience needed to join South Kilvington C of E Academy in Thirsk.

Mr McAuley said his job meant he was "always busy and on his feet" which suited him and that it was "joyful to work in a school".

"It was my dream to have a career in teaching, but I didn't think this was ever possible due to my autism," he said.

"Gaining the qualifications I recently have just shows that with the right support and guidance, having specialist needs are no obstacle to achieving your dreams."

Through the council's adult learning service, Mr McAuley secured his maths qualifications and completed courses in working with children.

He first joined South Kilvington as a volunteer, progressing to a lunchtime supervisor before taking on a part‑time teaching assistant's role.

To incorporate his love of sport, Mr McAuley also runs lunchtime and after-school activity clubs, and said: "there has never been a boring day working in a school."

Headteacher Stephen Butterworth said that Mr McAuley's journey had been "nothing short of exceptional".

"Watching his growth and determination has been a privilege for all of us," he said.

"We are excited to continue supporting Ben as he reaches new heights and inspires others along the way."

Looking to the future, Mr McAuley added that he aspires to become a higher-level teaching assistant, and to further integrate sport into his role.

"I really enjoy supporting the children – it's joyful to work in a school," he said.

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