Autism Inclusion In The Workplace

Supporting neurodivergent employees and building a neuro-inclusive workplace is becoming one of the top priorities for businesses of all kinds, across all sectors and industries.

As detailed in the Equality Act, employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments for autistic employees, removing barriers to recruitment and staff retention.

How to create an autism-friendly workplace in the UK

Reasonable adjustments for autism employment include:

• Workplace changes such as dimmed lighting, quiet workspaces, screen filters, no hot-desk and the use of noise-cancelling headphones

• Communication changes, such as setting clear agendas, providing written instructions and the use of instant messaging rather than phone calls

• Flexible working hours, part-time and remote working, and additional breaks

• Tailored staff induction processes

• Advance notice for meetings

• Working trials in place of traditional interviews

• Pre-interview site visits

• Providing interview questions in advance

The Buckland Review: Employment rates for autistic people in the UK

The Buckland Review of Autism Employment was published in February 2024, led by Sir Robert Buckland and supported by Autistica.

There are approximately one million autistic people in the UK and the vast majority of them want to work. 

However, statistics show that only approximately three in ten working-age autistic people are employed, compared to around five in ten disabled people and eight in ten non-disabled people.

Autistic people also face the biggest pay gap of all disability groups, receiving a third less on average than non-disabled people. 

Autistic graduates are twice as likely to be unemployed after 15 months - and they’re also most likely to be overqualified for the job they have, the least likely to be in permanent roles and the most likely to be on zero-hours contracts.

What are the benefits of hiring autistic people?

• Access to a wider talent pool

• Improved productivity and creativity

• Access to unique talents and skills

• Improved employee retention

• Enhanced business reputation

How employers can support autistic staff

At Neuro Inclusion UK, we provide tailored materials to support neurodiversity training in the workplace. 

These have been developed by educators and inclusion specialists to meet the unique needs of different employees, with the aim being to help businesses foster a more inclusive environment and culture.

With our training resources and tools, you’ll be able to equip your teams with everything they need to build supportive and inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.

We also offer a tailored consultancy service involving SEND professionals, specialist educators and inclusion leaders to help organisations implement effective practices across the board.

If you’re keen to focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, and embrace the strengths that neurodivergent people can bring to your place of business, get in touch with the Neuro Inclusion UK team today to find out what we can achieve together.