The National Autistic Society completed The Autism Employment Gap Report in 2007, and more recently in 2016 as a comparative.
Stats and Figures:
16% of autistic adults are in full-time paid work
32% of autistic adults are in some kind of paid work
80% of non-disabled people are in work
47% of disabled people are in work
79% of those polled who are not in work, would like to be
NAS - The Autism Employment Gap Report, 2016
The full report can be accessed here:
https://www.baseuk.org/sites/default/files/knowledgebase/nas_tmi_employment_report_24pp_web.pdf
We aren’t going to lie: the figures do not paint the most positive picture for employment for autistic individuals. However, the work that is going on right now is designed to change this and we have included details of some great Local Services.
Together you can build the necessary skills and confidence to create your own pathway back in or into the workplace for the first time.
So many of us have the desire to work but we need access to the appropriate support, skills and experience from services and employers so we can gain the ability and chance to work too. Throughout this section we outline the different services and support options on how you can get on the right path to get into or back into employment and we also explore volunteering options too.
From completing a CV, to thinking about interviews, and then actually working, are all steps that can cause issues to arise for some of us. For every step of the way there is a support option highlighted in this section that can help give you the tools to minimise any issue you may come across.
Job satisfaction, financial independence and the sense of worth these bring can positively support anyone. Increased independence, coupled with a healthy work life balance, can lead to increased choices and opportunities for friendships, relationships, social interactions and hobbies. It can also help individuals that suffer from co-existing issues such as depression, low self-confidence ,low self-esteem and anxiety.
If you are a young person looking at entering the employment world it can be daunting, we know we’ve been there! But it is also very exciting. With some hard work and varying degrees of bespoke support, you can find fulfilling and satisfying work.
If you are an adult you may be entering or re-entering employment. We understand that there may be perceived barriers in your way to finding employment but there is support available that can help get you over, around or through these barriers to help you find work. There are opportunities to gain further skills and qualifications that can help you find a job that is suited for you.
As a parent, employment for your child can mean a degree of reassurance that they have the ability to have a happy and sustainable future.
Some employers are becoming aware of the unique skills often stemming from special interests that some people with ASC possess and are looking at ways to support them into employment. This can, if managed well, be of benefit to both parties. Employers gain highly intelligent, loyal and focussed team members while those with ASC find routine and the opportunity to delve deeper into their area of expertise. Even the UK Government is beginning to take notice of this untapped workforce. In 2012, Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform made a speech about the benefits of employing people with autism; not just from a skills perspective but from the point of view of employers addressing the way companies think of themselves as a whole.
Employment report from NAS 2016:
https://www.base-uk.org/sites/default/files/knowledgebase/nas_tmi_employment_report_24pp_web.pdf
Autistica Graduate Internship:
https://www.autistica.org.uk/downloads/files/Internship-Programe-for-Autistic-Graduates_June2017_FullReport_web.pdf
National Autism Employment support:
Special Autism Services - https://www.specialistautismservices.org/employment-support/
Ambitious About Autism:
https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/what-we-do/employment/paid-work-experience
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Disclaimer: En-Fold does not endorse treatments, interventions and therapies but lists them so people can make informed choice. This site is for information purposes only and is a starting point for readers to look into options that may fit or resonate. Remember, therapies for autism, like any condition, should be discussed with a trusted medical practitioner or certified therapist before use. All information, data and material contained, presented or provided here is for general information purposes only and is not to be construed as reflecting the knowledge or opinions of En-Fold, or as providing legal or medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made by the individual in consultation with a health care provider. Case studies provided are done so in good faith, and based on the personal experience of the individual submitting them. En-Fold are in no way endorsing the establishments that are mentioned but offering peer reviews to inform readers.
