Call to help overcome the barrier of autism (From Wharfedale Observer)

Call to help overcome the barrier of autism

10:58am Thursday 12th April 2012 in Letters

As an adult with autism living in the area, I want to encourage our MP to support the National Autistic Society's (NAS) Undiscovered Workforce campaign to help adults with autism into employment.

The campaign is calling upon MPs across the UK to work together with local authority services, as well as local businesses and employment providers to improve job opportunities for people with autism in their own constituencies.

For many, employment is a crucial factor in living a happy and independent life. However, NAS research indicates that only 15 per cent of adults with autism are in full-time employment, despite the fact that 79 per cent of those claiming out-of-work benefits told us they want to work. Research with university leavers has shown that 26 per cent of graduates with autism are unemployed, by far the highest rate of any disability group. One in 100 people living in the area has autism, so it is vital that more is done locally to support these adults into work.

With the right support, people with autism can overcome the barriers to work that they often face. I hope the local MP will agree to work with other organisations in our constituency so that adults with autism living in the area have access to the same employment opportunities as others.

Luke Matthews

Bradford Road, Shipley