Looking for Work
Having a job and earning a wage is a fundamental part of most adults’ lives. It brings an income, independence and respect. Many people with autism share this wish to work, yet currently only a very small percentage have full-time jobs.
People with autism often find it hard to get and keep a job because of the challenges they face as part of their condition and because employers lack an understanding of autism. Employers often do not realise a person with autism can bring strong skills, abilities and talents to the workplace.
The directory provides information to help you overcome these difficulties and details some of the support that is available to you if you want to get a job.
People with autism, like anybody else, can apply for a whole range of jobs, depending on their skills and interests. IT consultants, proof-readers, journalists, research scientists, librarians, stock room workers, shop assistants and administration officers are just some of the roles already filled by people with autism.
Many people with autism work full-time very successfully in demanding jobs and bring excellent skills to their employers. Part-time work may be a good way to enter the career ladder, especially if you have not had paid work before. It can be less stressful than full-time work and gives you time to settle into the workplace more gently, or to continue to focus on other areas of your life. People with autism in full- or part-time work should be paid the going rate for the job, on the same terms and conditions as their immediate colleagues.
Some people have skills and abilities which mean they can work, but do not need to be employed by another person or company. Typical jobs self-employed people do include being a consultant, musician, artist or journalist. People who are self-employed have to keep good financial accounts and pay their own tax.
Some people who have not worked before or who want to try a new job do a work trial. You do not get paid for this work but you can continue to get benefits. A work trial should be for a short period. DEAs can give advice on arranging a work trial, and there are also government schemes which can help.
If you are receiving benefits, some of them are likely to change if you get a job. The rules about this are very complicated and you will need to talk to somebody who can give you expert advice on how working might affect your benefits. Some benefits, like disability living allowance (DLA), should not be affected by working. Others, like Employment and Support Allowance, will almost certainly be affected. Your DEA will be able to give you more information.
As you can see, there are lots of options. Remember that employment does not only have to be between the hours of 9 to 5, five days a week. It is possible to work part-time, a few hours a day or a few days a week. There are some jobs you can do from home. Some people find that it suits their lifestyle and personalities to do this. Others feel that they need to gain experience in the workplace before being able to secure paid work. This can be done in a number of ways such as work trials. Voluntary work can also be a good way of learning about a potential career and how it might suit you.
Before applying for a job, it is important to think about what type of work would suit you. You may have a strong idea of what you want to do, especially if you have worked before, or you may not have thought about this yet. Most people do jobs which suit their personality and skills. People also work for a variety of reasons: money, self-esteem, or opportunities for personal development and social interaction. All of these reasons are valid and the emphasis different people place on each one affects the kind of work that they choose to do. You may want to spend some time thinking about what your particular strengths are and what kind of jobs use these skills. You may also find it useful to write a list of things you don’t like doing or are not good at, as this may help you to ‘eliminate’ some job ideas.
Also find out what qualifications you need to do the job, or to do it at the level you want. If you don’t already have those qualifications, would you be able to get them? Getting new qualifications is often a long process, so if you need to get qualifications to do a particular job, think hard before you start about whether that job or career really interests you.
When you are thinking about what kind of work you want, you need to be realistic. For example, are you good at time-keeping? If you aren’t, don’t think about jobs where good time-keeping is vital, but if that kind of work interests you, you could consider whether there are other jobs in the same field where this is less important. Or could you learn to be a better time-keeper? If so, who could help you do this?
Obviously it can be hard to answer these questions about yourself. It might be helpful to ask people who know you as well, like family members or your DEA. Then you can compare your answers with theirs. If you have answered differently to the other person on some questions, these are areas you should look at. You may have more skills than you realised, or you may think you are already good at things that you actually need to improve.
It is also important to apply for jobs that you have the relevant qualifications and experience for. If you do apply for jobs you are not qualified to do, you will not be shortlisted for an interview and it can be very disheartening if this happens a lot.
There are training courses you might be able to do to help you prepare for work. Some are run by specialist colleges listed in this Directory but there are others. Your local DEA will be able to give you information about training courses, but before you start one it may be a good idea to ask if the college or trainers have experience of working with people with autism. If you are aged 16-25 and considering starting a training course, it may be worthwhile speaking to Connexions who will be able to give you advice about whether a particular course will enhance your job prospects. Contact details for connexions are included in this Directory.
What a potential employer may require from you :
The most helpful adjustment for most people with autism is to take a supporter to the interview. It is entirely up to you whether you want to take a supporter with you, but it can often make things easier. You can ask for support at your interview even if you did not mention your condition on the application form. If you are offered an interview, you or the person you want to support you should contact the employer, explain that you have autism and that you want to bring somebody with you to the interview to ensure you are able to put yourself forward well. Do this as soon as possible so that the employer has enough time to make adjustments. Because having a supporter is likely to be a reasonable adjustment under the Disability Discrimination Act, employers should allow this or at least consider it properly. If they do not, or they cancel the interview, they are highly likely to be breaking the law.
If you do want to take a supporter, think carefully about who this could be. The supporter should be there simply to help you communicate well with the people who are interviewing you. They should not be telling you what to say or trying to make your mind up for you about whether you want the job or not, so think about who can support you in an objective way. It can be anybody you want – they do not need to have any special qualification. If you cannot think of anybody who you would want to be your supporter at an interview, you could ask your DEA for advice. They may be able to support you or put you in touch with an advocacy organisation.
Before any interview it is usually a good idea to think about the questions you might be asked, and what you want to say. It might be helpful to write short notes, but don’t ‘learn’ answers as this will sound unnatural in the interview. The interview is your opportunity to explain why you are the right person for the job. You need to make your skills clear, but don’t talk too much. Usually in an interview you will also be offered the opportunity to ask questions yourself if you want more information about the job. It might be a good idea to write the questions you need to ask, but make sure that you don’t ask too many questions – one or two is usually a good number.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) gives disabled people at work protection from discrimination. This means that all employers, except the armed forces, must not treat a disabled person less favourably because of their disability. Employers are also required to make reasonable adjustments to working conditions or the workplace where this would help a particular disabled person. For people with autism, this might include arranging for colleagues to make phone calls, for example, if you find using the phone difficult and for you to do some of their tasks in return. It might also include providing more structured training, making instructions and manuals more accessible, being flexible about your hours of work, using a job coach, support worker or having ‘mentors’ among your colleagues, or allowing you to work in another place, for example an office which is close to your home, if you find travelling to work difficult.
If you do not say you have a disability on the application form and then get invited to an interview, you can tell the employer about your condition at this stage. This will mean that they should make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for you, such as allowing you to have a supporter with you at the interview. You should inform the employer as early as possible before your interview to give them time to consider and make adjustments.
If you are successful at the interview and you have not told your employer about your disability but then feel that you need a reasonable adjustment, you can tell your employer at this stage. From that time onwards, your employer must consider your disability and may have to make some adjustments.
Once you are employed, it may be preferable to disclose any disability you have, since this allows the employer to consider making reasonable adjustments which may help you at work. But this is up to you and should be your own decision.
Additional help available for you
As well as direct job opportunities and training courses, a number of Government schemes are available to help you get and keep a job. These include the Work Programme, which supports all clients on out-of-work benefits to move off benefits and into employment and Work Choice, aimed at those people whose disability means they face serious and often complex barriers to work and for whom mainstream provision may not be appropriate. It is recognised that different people with autism have very different experiences and different feelings about the Government schemes. Some people have found them helpful, while others feel that they have not helped at all or are too difficult to understand or use. However, fuller details of both programmes mentioned above are provided later in the directory to help you decide whether these are options you wish to pursue.
Next Placement Process for Specialist Provision or The Directory
See interview by Tyne Tees TV News with ESPA Autism Works, broadcast on 13.12.11 here
People with autism often find it hard to get and keep a job because of the challenges they face as part of their condition and because employers lack an understanding of autism. Employers often do not realise a person with autism can bring strong skills, abilities and talents to the workplace.
The directory provides information to help you overcome these difficulties and details some of the support that is available to you if you want to get a job.
People with autism, like anybody else, can apply for a whole range of jobs, depending on their skills and interests. IT consultants, proof-readers, journalists, research scientists, librarians, stock room workers, shop assistants and administration officers are just some of the roles already filled by people with autism.
- If you have already worked, you may have a good idea of what you want to do. If you have not worked, you can start by thinking about all the options which are available and what your skills, qualifications and interests are.
- If you have not worked before, it may be helpful to gain work experience through voluntary work or a work trial. These do not usually affect your benefits, so they can give you the opportunity to find out what work is like and whether you are comfortable in the workplace without making too many changes at once.
Many people with autism work full-time very successfully in demanding jobs and bring excellent skills to their employers. Part-time work may be a good way to enter the career ladder, especially if you have not had paid work before. It can be less stressful than full-time work and gives you time to settle into the workplace more gently, or to continue to focus on other areas of your life. People with autism in full- or part-time work should be paid the going rate for the job, on the same terms and conditions as their immediate colleagues.
Some people have skills and abilities which mean they can work, but do not need to be employed by another person or company. Typical jobs self-employed people do include being a consultant, musician, artist or journalist. People who are self-employed have to keep good financial accounts and pay their own tax.
- Voluntary work is work for which you do not get paid. There is a huge range of voluntary work available, from providing legal advice to gardening, or administration work for charities. You can do most voluntary work if you are receiving benefits and it can be a very good way of getting used to working or getting and trying out new skills. Many organisations are keen to have volunteers who have skills or qualifications to offer. Sometimes organisations want volunteers who can come regularly each week, or they may want volunteers for a short time to complete a particular project.
- Permitted work is work you can be paid for without losing your benefits. It can be helpful if you want to continue receiving your benefits until you feel confident that you will be comfortable in the workplace. There are different options for permitted work and if you are interested in doing this, you will need to discuss it with a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre who can advise you on the different options and the exact amount you can earn. Your benefits will be affected, but you will not have to stop them.
Some people who have not worked before or who want to try a new job do a work trial. You do not get paid for this work but you can continue to get benefits. A work trial should be for a short period. DEAs can give advice on arranging a work trial, and there are also government schemes which can help.
If you are receiving benefits, some of them are likely to change if you get a job. The rules about this are very complicated and you will need to talk to somebody who can give you expert advice on how working might affect your benefits. Some benefits, like disability living allowance (DLA), should not be affected by working. Others, like Employment and Support Allowance, will almost certainly be affected. Your DEA will be able to give you more information.
As you can see, there are lots of options. Remember that employment does not only have to be between the hours of 9 to 5, five days a week. It is possible to work part-time, a few hours a day or a few days a week. There are some jobs you can do from home. Some people find that it suits their lifestyle and personalities to do this. Others feel that they need to gain experience in the workplace before being able to secure paid work. This can be done in a number of ways such as work trials. Voluntary work can also be a good way of learning about a potential career and how it might suit you.
Before applying for a job, it is important to think about what type of work would suit you. You may have a strong idea of what you want to do, especially if you have worked before, or you may not have thought about this yet. Most people do jobs which suit their personality and skills. People also work for a variety of reasons: money, self-esteem, or opportunities for personal development and social interaction. All of these reasons are valid and the emphasis different people place on each one affects the kind of work that they choose to do. You may want to spend some time thinking about what your particular strengths are and what kind of jobs use these skills. You may also find it useful to write a list of things you don’t like doing or are not good at, as this may help you to ‘eliminate’ some job ideas.
Also find out what qualifications you need to do the job, or to do it at the level you want. If you don’t already have those qualifications, would you be able to get them? Getting new qualifications is often a long process, so if you need to get qualifications to do a particular job, think hard before you start about whether that job or career really interests you.
When you are thinking about what kind of work you want, you need to be realistic. For example, are you good at time-keeping? If you aren’t, don’t think about jobs where good time-keeping is vital, but if that kind of work interests you, you could consider whether there are other jobs in the same field where this is less important. Or could you learn to be a better time-keeper? If so, who could help you do this?
Obviously it can be hard to answer these questions about yourself. It might be helpful to ask people who know you as well, like family members or your DEA. Then you can compare your answers with theirs. If you have answered differently to the other person on some questions, these are areas you should look at. You may have more skills than you realised, or you may think you are already good at things that you actually need to improve.
It is also important to apply for jobs that you have the relevant qualifications and experience for. If you do apply for jobs you are not qualified to do, you will not be shortlisted for an interview and it can be very disheartening if this happens a lot.
There are training courses you might be able to do to help you prepare for work. Some are run by specialist colleges listed in this Directory but there are others. Your local DEA will be able to give you information about training courses, but before you start one it may be a good idea to ask if the college or trainers have experience of working with people with autism. If you are aged 16-25 and considering starting a training course, it may be worthwhile speaking to Connexions who will be able to give you advice about whether a particular course will enhance your job prospects. Contact details for connexions are included in this Directory.
What a potential employer may require from you :
- Curriculum Vitae A Curriculum Vitae (more commonly referred to as a CV) is a brief written account of your education and work experience, which employers often want to see to find out whether they think a person has the right skills for a job. Your school, college, university or your local Jobcentre will have more information about what a CV should include and what it should look like. Libraries and book shops often stock books on how to write a CV. The internet is also a valuable source of information on this topic.
- Application Form A lot of employers ask for an application form as well as or instead of a CV. An application form is your chance to tell the employer why you are the most suitable person for the job. You need to include all the relevant information about yourself that will help you get an interview. It is usually a good idea to photocopy an application form before you fill it in, and fill in the photocopy first in case you make mistakes. It may be helpful to ask someone who knows you well to help you complete application forms.
- Interview Most employers want to interview a person before they offer them a job. Most people find interviews stressful, but they can be harder for people with autism because interviews focus on good communication skills. If you have told the employer about a disability on an application form, they should make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for you during an interview.
The most helpful adjustment for most people with autism is to take a supporter to the interview. It is entirely up to you whether you want to take a supporter with you, but it can often make things easier. You can ask for support at your interview even if you did not mention your condition on the application form. If you are offered an interview, you or the person you want to support you should contact the employer, explain that you have autism and that you want to bring somebody with you to the interview to ensure you are able to put yourself forward well. Do this as soon as possible so that the employer has enough time to make adjustments. Because having a supporter is likely to be a reasonable adjustment under the Disability Discrimination Act, employers should allow this or at least consider it properly. If they do not, or they cancel the interview, they are highly likely to be breaking the law.
If you do want to take a supporter, think carefully about who this could be. The supporter should be there simply to help you communicate well with the people who are interviewing you. They should not be telling you what to say or trying to make your mind up for you about whether you want the job or not, so think about who can support you in an objective way. It can be anybody you want – they do not need to have any special qualification. If you cannot think of anybody who you would want to be your supporter at an interview, you could ask your DEA for advice. They may be able to support you or put you in touch with an advocacy organisation.
Before any interview it is usually a good idea to think about the questions you might be asked, and what you want to say. It might be helpful to write short notes, but don’t ‘learn’ answers as this will sound unnatural in the interview. The interview is your opportunity to explain why you are the right person for the job. You need to make your skills clear, but don’t talk too much. Usually in an interview you will also be offered the opportunity to ask questions yourself if you want more information about the job. It might be a good idea to write the questions you need to ask, but make sure that you don’t ask too many questions – one or two is usually a good number.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) gives disabled people at work protection from discrimination. This means that all employers, except the armed forces, must not treat a disabled person less favourably because of their disability. Employers are also required to make reasonable adjustments to working conditions or the workplace where this would help a particular disabled person. For people with autism, this might include arranging for colleagues to make phone calls, for example, if you find using the phone difficult and for you to do some of their tasks in return. It might also include providing more structured training, making instructions and manuals more accessible, being flexible about your hours of work, using a job coach, support worker or having ‘mentors’ among your colleagues, or allowing you to work in another place, for example an office which is close to your home, if you find travelling to work difficult.
- Disclosure It is entirely up to you whether you wish to disclose your disability to an employer or a potential employer. If an application form asks if you have a disability, you do not have to answer this question. Clearly, you cannot say anything untrue but you can leave this space blank. If you want the employer to consider how they could make any ‘reasonable adjustments’ for you, you should say that you have autism or Asperger syndrome. This is because an employer cannot make reasonable adjustments (and is not expected to do so) unless they are aware that they may be necessary.
If you do not say you have a disability on the application form and then get invited to an interview, you can tell the employer about your condition at this stage. This will mean that they should make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for you, such as allowing you to have a supporter with you at the interview. You should inform the employer as early as possible before your interview to give them time to consider and make adjustments.
If you are successful at the interview and you have not told your employer about your disability but then feel that you need a reasonable adjustment, you can tell your employer at this stage. From that time onwards, your employer must consider your disability and may have to make some adjustments.
Once you are employed, it may be preferable to disclose any disability you have, since this allows the employer to consider making reasonable adjustments which may help you at work. But this is up to you and should be your own decision.
- Starting work or a new job is daunting and stressful for most people, but can be harder for people with autism. You will have to learn the job, and usually meet lots of new people. For anybody this can be bewildering at first. Although it is not a legal requirement to tell your employer or your colleagues about your condition, it may be a good idea to do so. As well as enabling your employer to make any ‘reasonable adjustments’ to your job or the workplace to help you overcome difficulties you might have, it might make it easier for your colleagues to work with you, and give you any support if necessary, if they understand that you have autism and how this affects you.
Additional help available for you
As well as direct job opportunities and training courses, a number of Government schemes are available to help you get and keep a job. These include the Work Programme, which supports all clients on out-of-work benefits to move off benefits and into employment and Work Choice, aimed at those people whose disability means they face serious and often complex barriers to work and for whom mainstream provision may not be appropriate. It is recognised that different people with autism have very different experiences and different feelings about the Government schemes. Some people have found them helpful, while others feel that they have not helped at all or are too difficult to understand or use. However, fuller details of both programmes mentioned above are provided later in the directory to help you decide whether these are options you wish to pursue.
Next Placement Process for Specialist Provision or The Directory
See interview by Tyne Tees TV News with ESPA Autism Works, broadcast on 13.12.11 here