The understanding autism for careers and employability professionals course has been developed in partnership with the a range of qualified professionals as well as autistic young people, and will support those who are offering careers advice or guidance in a range of settings.

This course is for careers and employability professionals only.

The course is delivered by experienced careers and employability professionals who specialise in delivering information, advice and guidance sessions to autistic young people and are experts by experience.

Course content

The practical session will support participants to:

Utilise the latest Transition to Employment toolkit and related resources to adapt their practice and meet the needs of autistic clients.

Identify how autistic individuals experience the world around them and how autism presents itself differently in individuals through exploring the autism spectrum.

Identify the key areas of difference; communication skills, social interaction, routine and sensory processing that need to be considered when working with autistic clients.

Explore the autistic experience, identifying strengths – the talents and skill sets autistic individuals can bring into the work environment; and challenges they may experience but can overcome through implementing workplace adjustments.

Consider the specific challenges facing autistic people in entering employment, including barriers with job finding and recruitment processes.

Explore methods and tools to adapt your information, advice and guidance practice to meet the needs of autistic clients.

Discuss good practice and provide practical solutions to case study examples.

Reflect on Employ Autism’s learning and consider adjustments to supporting autistic clients in their career search.

Receive details of the most up-to-date work placement opportunities from Employ Autism.

Once you have completed the training you will be able to:

Develop and adapt your careers information and guidance sessions for your autistic clients.

Identify autistic people who would benefit from a work experience placement to develop their skills, confidence and identify their career aspirations.

Refer and support candidates to successfully apply for the Employ Autism programme.

Share learning and contacts to increase the reach of the Employ Autism programme to more autistic people.

The course is delivered virtually over 4 hours, with breaks provided throughout.

Understanding autism for employability professionals