The Scottish Strategy for Autism Progress Report - Foundation Stage (2 Years)

Summary Guide to Employment, Policy, Structures and Initiatives in Scotland

In line with Recommendation 26 Autism Initiatives, on behalf of Subgroup 4, has produced and published a Summary Guide on Employment Policies and Initiatives in Scotland ('the Guide'). Supporting people with autism into work is complex and multi-faceted with a range of policies, support programmes and initiatives all aiming to improve employment outcomes for people with disability, however, there are no autism-specific employment strategies or policies. The Guide is intended to provide a background to employment policies and initiatives in Scotland and is illustrated with some examples of services and initiatives. The purpose is to provide an overview, with links to further information which may be useful for staff supporting people with autism who are moving towards employment.

The primary audience for the Guide is professionals who are involved in supporting people with autism but who are not familiar with the complex environment of employment policy and structures. However, it is a useful guide for everyone.

Publication of the Guide also culminated in its launched at a highly successful learning event in October which was hosted by Autism Network Scotland. This included several presentations from young people on the spectrum who had set up their own employment initiatives to gain experience of the work environment.

This contributes to goals 1 and 2 of the Foundation stage by supporting people with ASD to find employment and by supporting and encouraging employers to realise the potential benefits of employing someone with ASD.

The Guide is available for down load from the Autism Network Scotland website.
http://www.autismnetworkscotland.org.uk/category/resources/