Van IJzendoorn talks a lot with partners of people with autism. Sometimes he sees couples coming in with divorce. “By talking about it with us, there is often understanding again. Those are really gems,” he says radiantly.
Chantal Puijmers is also active at the information center. She guides the other volunteers and needs some extra support. “You mainly have one-to-one conversations with the volunteers, whether they still like what they are doing. I am their point of contact.”
The position of ‘volunteer coordinator’ is on a voluntary basis and requires a time investment of approximately one to three hours a week. According to Puijmers you do not have to have autism for the position, but your heart has to beat faster for the target group.
In addition to a new coordinator, fellow sufferers are also welcome at the center in Heerhugowaard, volunteer Deborah Hubert emphasizes. “Especially the exchange of experiences with each other is nice. Then you hear, I have, how do you solve that?”, Says Hubert.