Work and employment for autistic people

In short

• Access to Work can pay for practical support at work in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland runs a separate scheme.
• Telling an employer about your autism is your choice. Once an employer knows you are disabled, it has a legal responsibility to support you.
• Disability Confident is a voluntary scheme for employers.
• Free advice on work rights is available from Acas and equality services.

Access to Work in England, Scotland and Wales

Access to Work is a government scheme that helps disabled people and people with health conditions start or keep a job. In England, Scotland and Wales, you can apply if:

• you are 16 or over
• you are in paid work, or about to start or return to paid work within the next 12 weeks
• you have a physical or mental health condition or disability that means you need support to do your job or get to and from work

Self-employed people must also meet an income test. Check the GOV.UK eligibility page for the current rules.

Support can include specialist equipment or software, a support worker or job coach, help with travel to and from work, and mental health support at work. Access to Work does not pay for adjustments your employer must make by law.

Access to Work in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has a separate scheme, Access to Work (NI), run by the Department for Communities. It can help with practical costs, such as special equipment, workplace adaptations, travel to and from work, and support at work. You apply yourself, by contacting the team through nidirect, or you can ask a work coach at your local Jobs and Benefits office to contact the team for you.

Telling an employer

Nobody has to tell their employer that they are disabled. Acas says that once a person does disclose, the employer has a legal responsibility to support them.

You do not have to share a diagnosis to ask for changes. You may still need to give enough information for the employer to understand what would help. Examples of adjustments include a quieter workspace, flexible start and finish times, written instructions, or regular breaks.

Ask for adjustments in writing, such as in an email. Acas says the employer should arrange a meeting, listen to you, avoid making assumptions, and confirm any agreed adjustments in writing. If an adjustment is refused, the employer should explain why and look for another way to support you.

Disability Employment Advisers

If you are looking for work, ask your local Jobcentre Plus whether you can speak to a Disability Employment Adviser. They can talk to you about job options and about support at work, including Access to Work.

Supported employment and internships

Some areas offer supported employment, where a job coach helps you find, start and keep a job. Some colleges and councils also run supported internships for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Ask your college, council or local charity what is available near you.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a voluntary government scheme that helps employers recruit and keep disabled people. Signing up is free. It has three levels: committed, employer and leader.

Signing up does not guarantee a good experience at work, so ask questions at interview about how the employer supports disabled staff.

Where to get advice

• England, Scotland and Wales: Acas offers free, impartial advice on employment rights, including through its helpline. The Equality Advisory and Support Service gives advice on equality matters.
• Northern Ireland: The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland provides equality advice. The Labour Relations Agency provides employment relations advice.

This guide is general information, not professional advice.