Education and Training (Young People with Autism) Bill
Posted by Lee Scott, MP for Ilford North, at 10:28, Wed 9 November 2011:
I recently introduced a ten minute rule bill in the House of Commons that aims to improve the provision for the education and training for young people with autism and Aspergers syndrome.
According to the National Autistic Society, ‘There are more than 350,000 working age adults with autism in the UK. NAS research has found that, whilst many people with autism want to work, just 15% of adults with autism are in full-time paid employment and 9% are in part-time employment.’
Research shows that 79% of people with autism on incapacity benefit want to work, but need some support to get into work and retain employment. One in three people with autism is without any financial support from employment or through the benefits system, with many reliant on their families for such support.
I have met with leading companies and we are working to develop plans for a pilot scheme. This will enable businesses to employ young people and for them to have training and support so that they can achieve what they deserve, the best possible future.
Do have experience in your employment of working with young with autism? I would like to hear your views on the subject.
Lee Scott.
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Posted by Julia woodstock, 11:30, Wed 9 November 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
Dear Lee
I managed a young man who had Aspergers Syndrome. It was a frustrating experience at times as I was given little support by my own manager who was very unsympathetic and pressurised me to dismiss him because of his lack of verbal communication skills, there was some attempt from HR to work with me but when the person from HR with knowledge in this area left the business it was no longer followed up. I ended joining an on-line support group to learn how I should deal with his issues. The young man eventually left as some changes were made in the office where we were located and I believe he found this too much as he was taken out of his comfort zone. We should do more in the workplace to support people such as this as I felt he was a valuable asset his written communications were excellent, far superior to mine! I wish I could have done more to protect him.