Directory of Local Employment Services for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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This directory has been produced by the Local Autism Working Group (LAWG) set up by Sunderland City Council to support the delivery of the Local Autism Action Plan.

The directory is intended to signpost adults with autism and prospective employers to the range of local employment services available, as well as providing a reference document for service providers and other professionals involved with helping adults with autism to find work.
CONTRIBUTORS :
The local employment services included in the directory have been identified as a result of a mapping exercise undertaken by a multi- agency sub group of the LAWG, comprising representatives of most of the organisations involved in the provision of such services for adults with autism. 

While the directory provides an accurate reflection of the identified services available, it is recognised that the list may not be exhaustive. The directory will be updated at periodic intervals and further existing provision identified and new services coming on stream will be included.  

Many people with autism work very successfully in a number of jobs. However, it is fair to say that they often face difficulties in getting and keeping jobs, which they may need support to overcome, and that sometimes this support may need to be specialist or intensive. 

There is a wide range of support available to people with autism who want to get a job. Some of this is provided through statutory national organisations such as Jobcentre Plus while other support is provided by regional or locally based and, in some cases, specialist establishments. While most service providers have a dedicated resource to support people with learning disabilities, not all have a specialised resource for dealing with people with autism. 

Details of the services available are given in the Directory together with relevant contact details. While this is not necessarily exhaustive, it should provide a reasonably accurate reflection of the identified services available.