Many autistic young people find leaving school and preparing for employment overwhelming. As a parent or carer, you can help your child by taking plenty of time to explore their goals and talking through the different career options available. 

Identifying career goals

Some autistic young people have very specific interests and may already have an ideal career path in mind. Others may need more support with identifying different options. It can be useful to make an appointment with a professional, such as a careers adviser, who can offer guidance and also signpost you to services that offer support with getting work.

Internships and volunteering

Volunteering or completing an internship can help young people to gain skills and get used to different work environments. This can also boost their confidence and support general wellbeing. Young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) may be able to apply for supported internships in their local area.

Finding and maintaining work

Applying for jobs and preparing for interviews can be daunting, but there are many organisations that help autistic people to find work. You can search for local organisations in the National Autistic Society's Autism Services Directory and read more about finding jobs here.

Preparing for a new job 

When a young person is starting in a new job, it’s a good idea to arrange a visit before they start to get used to the new environment and meet other members of staff. For some young people, social stories or visual aids can also be useful tools to prepare for the transition to work.

You can find more information on support for the transition to employment by clicking on the links below.