Autistic individuals have many qualities which can make them excellent employees. For this reason it is important to provide employment support for them to bring out their strengths and qualities.
Some general attributes are:
- able to follow structured projects
- attention to detail
- clear and concise communication
- creativity
- excellent memory
- high levels of technical ability
- highly discriminating senses
- precise use of language
The Autism Strategy of 2010 shows the commitment of the government in helping autistic people into employment. One of its strategic goals is “helping adults with autism into work”. This commitment is repeated in the Strategy of 2021 – 2026.
Some autistic people have particular difficulties in the workplace. These are usually centred around activities which require an understanding of the complexities of human behaviour and could include some of the following:
- interviewing techniques
- customer relations
- socialising at break times and outside of work
- understanding different organisational cultures
Employment support for autistic individuals
There are organisations which help autistic people and those with other neurodiverse experiences to gain those skills. You could contact your local Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) at your job centre. They might be able to point you in the right direction. In addition, an organisation called PLUSS might be able to help prepare you for work.
Their website is http://www.pluss.org.uk/
If you are already in employment or have an interview for a job, the government has a scheme called Access to Work. This scheme provides grants to support you in the workplace. To find out more and to find out if you are eligible visit their website at https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/overview
Some other organisations offering employment support for autistic individuals in the United Kigndom are –
You might also find the website listing disability-friendly jobs helpful while you are looking for employment –
To develop your employability skills, there is a free e-resource for autistic people co-created with autistic people which can be found at –
You might also be interested in our coaching and mentoring service:
There are also some articles on this website you might find useful:
An Autistic Perspective of Workplace Challenges
Autism: Employability skills for autistic students
How would I know if my colleague has Asperger’s Syndrome
Working From Home as an Autistic Employee
If you need further information, please contact us and we will do what we can to help.
If you need help looking for services for an individual with an autism spectrum condition, we will do our best to help. Click below for the Autism Placement Support Service.
