From Education to Employment: Supporting Neurodivergent Young People

Only 30% of working-age autistic people are in employment, compared to 80% of non-disabled people. This isn’t because of a lack of talent; it’s because we’ve built recruitment processes and workplaces that unnecessarily exclude capable people. This session explores what actually helps: from writing job descriptions that make sense and designing interviews that reveal capability, to navigating the unwritten rules and sensory challenges of those first crucial weeks. Practical strategies for young people preparing for work, parents and educators supporting the transition, and employers wanting to get this right.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the three principles that underpin successful employment support: clarity creates confidence, it’s not about fixing anyone, small changes unlock potential
• Know how to adapt recruitment processes (job descriptions, interviews, disclosure conversations) to reveal capability rather than filter out difference
• Recognise the hidden barriers in the first weeks of employment (unwritten rules, sensory environments, communication styles) and how to address them
• Identify practical adjustments that cost little but make a significant difference to retention and performance