Autism in the Workplace
Celebrating autism in Greater Manchester
Autistic employees may need some, often simple, support within the workplace, yet widespread understanding, support and accommodation by employers is still lacking. Despite workplaces becoming more inclusive, and despite the Equality Act 2010, for autistic adults, there are still barriers preventing them from working.
We need your help
We have been living in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic for two long years. In particular, the move to homeschooling and the Government’s ever-changing coronavirus guidelines and restrictions significantly impacted the lives of people on the autism spectrum and their families.
Autistic people have experienced additional barriers and discrimination when accessing COVID-19 services, including access to public information, necessary support, education and employment. Research by international non-profit association on Autism-Europe also found that discriminatory practices also meant that autistic people were more prone to be denied life-saving treatments.
New research from the disability equality charity Scope exposed the extent of the crushing post-Covid cost of living squeeze on disabled people, which has saw rising prices, particularly food, energy and fuel prices, including the potential impact of the conflict in Ukraine.
I AM, is committed to improving the lives of all autistic people across the spectrum and throughout their lifespan. Thanks to our dedicated staff, we will continue to support autistic people and their families, where we can and to the best of our ability. Click the link below to see how you can support us today.
What is autism?
The autism spectrum is an umbrella term covering a range of neurodevelopmental conditions referred to as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), which are a group of complex development disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioural challenges.
Autistic characteristics are present from early childhood and can often make it difficult to learn and manage everyday tasks.
The severity of characteristics are different in each person. Some children and adults with ASC are fully able to perform all activities or daily living while others require substantial support to perform basic activities.
5 things all employers should know about autism
In 2021, data from the Office of National Statistics’ Outcomes for disabled people research revealed that just 22% of autistic adults in the United Kingdom were in any kind of paid job, placing them among those disabled people with the lowest employment rate. It was the first time that respondents were asked whether they were autistic. A review of the shocking government data cited one-size-fits-all recruitment processes and lack of employer support as major contributing factors.
Autism in the workplace
It can be a daunting experience for children and young adults with autism leaving the education system for the ‘big, wide world of work’.
For some with social communication difficulties the change and transition to work can be extremely difficult and challenging leaving to emotional distress, especially in a world that doesn’t readily facilitate neurodiversity.
We have put together some free resources for employers and employees to be better understand autistic people.
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