“As the number of children diagnosed with autism is rising, the number of autistic young people entering the job market is increasing, too. They are full of aspirations and have big plans for the future, as all young people do, but very often encounter difficulties during their first steps into employment because recruitment processes are not catering for their different skills and needs” (Sarah Broadhurst, Director at Autism Education Trust)
Below are some useful resources that can help with this transition:
Leicester City Council Local Offer
Transition is an exciting time for young people with special educational needs and disabilities between the ages of 14 to 25.
It is important to start planning and having conversations early to make transition successful.
The Local Offer gives children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) and their families information about help and services in Leicester. This includes useful information on transitions in health and moving into adulthood, including employment.
Click here to find further support around preparing for adulthood.
Leicestershire County Council
The help you get from Leicestershire County Council will usually change when you reach 18 years old.
You’ll get help from Adult Social Care instead of Children’s Services. Moving from Children’s Services to Adult Social Care and planning your future is called ‘transition.’
Click here to find further support around this transition.
Rutland County Council
This part of the Local Offer is all about services that can help you learn the skills you need to be as healthy, happy and safe as possible when you’re an adult.
Click here to find further support around preparing you for adulthood.
Ambitious about Autism – Transition to Employment Toolkit
Ambitious about Autism have developed a ‘Transition to Employment Toolkit.’ This resource will support autistic students with their transition into employment after education.
What’s included?
The tools will help more autistic young people access sustainable and meaningful opportunities. The tools will help develop awareness of employers understanding of autism and support the hiring and retaining of talented young people.
Who is it for?
The resources are also relevant for:
- autistic young people
- their parents/ carers
- teachers
- other relevant professionals
This resource gives practical help and tools to employers, post-16 professionals and young people every step of the way, from preparing an employee profile to post-placement evaluation.
Click here to access the toolkits.
Careers advice
Connexions
Connexions is a careers service for young people aged 16 to 19, or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
They have specialist personal advisers who are trained to work with young people with SEND to help them make decisions about their future.
Drop in: 2 Wellington Street, Leicester, LE1 6HL.
Email: connexions@leicester.gov.uk
Phone: 0116 4541770
Youth Employment Hub
They can help with finding jobs, apprenticeships and courses for people aged 16-24.
Drop in: 51 Gallowtree Gate, Leicester, LE1 5AD. Opening hours are Tuesdays – Fridays, 9am – 5pm. Website: leicesteremploymenthub.co.uk
Autism Plus
Offer specialist care and support for adults and young people with neurodivergent conditions, learning disabilities and related conditions. This could include in work support for employees and apprentices with SEND (special educational needs).
Website: autismplus.co.uk/
Email: dawn.jones@autismplus.co.uk
LEAT – Leicestershire Empowerment for Autism Today
LEAT is a charitable organisation providing a wide range of specialist support services to young autistic people and adults who live in the city of Leicester or the county of Leicestershire.
Support could include:
- independent living skills
- social and communication skills
- anxiety and stress awareness & management
- career advice and guidance
- benefits advice and guidance
- employment support
- further education support
- advocacy.
This support is funded through the young person’s personal budget/direct payments.
SENDIASS may be able to help you find out whether you might be entitled to payments.
Website: leatleicester.org.uk/
Adult Learning Disability Autism Service (Fosse Autism Service) – Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
This is a service that can offer support to autistic people who are experiencing change in their lives, for example leaving school to join adult services, going to college or leaving home to live somewhere else.
Referrals are taken for adults aged 18 years, but will also be accepted from transitions three months prior to 18th birthday. A diagnosis of learning disability and/or autism is required or in the process of receiving a diagnosis.
Website: leicspart.nhs.uk/service/adult-learning-disability-autism-service-fosse-autism-service/
