Today is World Autism Awareness Day (APRIL 2). Over half a million people in the UK are affected by this heartbreaking and isolating condition. Katherine Corey, deputy head of the Seashell Trust-run Royal College Manchester, explains how to unlock hidden talents of this untapped – and super-skilled – workforce
Imagine you are job hunting. Your skill set is amazing. It includes gems such as ‘quickly grasping complex procedures…applies care and attention to detail…meticulous on routines, rules and accuracy…enthusiasm and product knowledge is impressive…extremely reliable’.
Yet, time and time again, you don’t perform well in the interview. On the occasion, when you do and are offered the job, you don’t stay in position very long.
This is the harsh reality for many of the half a million people with autism in the UK. The actual tasks of the job are stimulating and interesting. Yet as a result of their condition, they find it difficult to interact socially with colleagues and employers, plan, think flexibly or ‘outside the box’.
Only 15 per cent of people with autism have a full-time job, according to the National Autistic Society, and nine per cent have a part-time job which leaves 76 per cent of the adult population with autism unemployed, struggling with issues of self-worth and self-respect.
This is an untapped workforce. It is not about playing the charity card or enforcing corporate social responsibility. It’s about recognising there is a huge pool of highly talented, focused individuals with strengths most of us don’t have. They just need some considerations in the workplace.
Employment is about more than just money; it gives a sense of wellbeing, dignity, and self-worth. It is being responsible and making sure you can take care of yourself and maybe a family, creating a solid basis for a successful future.
Left: Deputy head of the Royal College Manchester Katherine Corey with former Seashell Trust student Liam Wheatley who has autism and other disabilities. He now works in the maintenance department at the trust.
At the Seashell Trust, we recognise the vital importance of work. Through our Valuing Employment Now scheme we have built relationships with businesses in the region to give our students, who have complex disabilities including autism, work experience with a view to paid supported work when they leave education.
The overall goal to strive for is that each person in the workplace with autism is seen as an individual. We are all different, with different needs and different qualities and skills to bring to work.
Everyone is unique. This is important to remember because what works for one might not necessarily work with another and this can be particularly true of people with autism. So the following is a guide not written in stone – everything needs to be individualised to the person.
How to bring out the brilliance with people with autism
- With the consent of the person with autism, give colleagues information and guidance on the condition to support their understanding.
- Brief one-to-one meetings can be more effective than lengthy ones. This needs to be approached slowly so a rapport can develop.
- Don’t rely on social cues. People with autism can either be ignorant of others’ emotions or hypersensitive. Some can have selective mutism.
- People with autism are often perfectionists so it is best not to criticise verbally as this will upset them. Give constructive feedback, explaining precisely what is required in a written format.
- Ensure the work environment is clear of distractions as the person can be disorganised and some have difficulties with timekeeping.
- A clear structure helps understanding of what the manager expects. In emails, be specific with what you want to know as general chat is challenging.
- They can find it difficult to recognise that they can ask for help but if there is a clear structure then it is possible and they can achieve greatly.
Pic caption: Deputy head of the Royal College Manchester Katherine Corey with former Seashell Trust student Liam Wheatley who has autism and other disabilities. He now works in the maintenance department at the trust.