What Resources Are Available for Autistic Graduates Seeking Employment? 

For autistic graduates, moving from university into the workforce can be both exciting and challenging. While many bring exceptional skills such as focus, creativity, and analytical thinking, barriers such as social communication, sensory environments, and recruitment processes can make job searching more difficult. 

Thankfully, several UK organisations, programmes, and government schemes are dedicated to supporting autistic graduates in building successful, fulfilling careers. 

1. Access to Work: Financial and Practical Employment Support 

The Access to Work scheme is one of the most important resources available for autistic graduates entering employment. This government programme provides financial support for reasonable adjustments and workplace aids that make work accessible. 

Support includes: 

• Funding for job coaches and workplace mentors. 

• Assistance with specialist equipment or software. 

• Travel support for those unable to use public transport. 

• Adjustments for remote or flexible working arrangements. 

Graduates can apply directly for Access to Work support once they have a job offer or are in employment. According to NHS England (2023), Access to Work is a vital service that empowers autistic individuals to overcome environmental barriers and thrive in their chosen careers.  

2. National Autistic Society: Career Support and Job Coaching 

The National Autistic Society (NAS) offers a range of employment services specifically designed for autistic adults and graduates. Their resources help with everything from career planning to employer engagement. 

Available support includes: 

• Access to Work scheme Programme: connects autistic job-seekers with inclusive employers. 

• Job coaching and mentoring to prepare graduates for interviews and workplace expectations. 

• Guidance on disclosure and reasonable adjustments in recruitment. 

The National Autistic Society (NAS) also partners with universities and employers to develop autism-friendly graduate schemes, ensuring a smoother transition from higher education to full-time employment. 

3. Autistica: Research, Programmes, and Inclusive Career Support 

Autistica, the UK’s leading autism research charity, has been instrumental in improving employment outcomes for autistic graduates. Their work focuses on reducing barriers to employment and helping employers create neurodiversity-inclusive workplaces. 

Their initiatives include: 

• Research on graduate transitions and early career experiences. 

• Partnerships with employers to promote neurodiverse hiring practices. 

• Programmes offering career mentoring and skills workshops for autistic adults. 

According to Autistica (2024), targeted programmes that combine mentoring, job placements, and mental health support can double employment retention rates for autistic graduates. 

4. University Disability and Career Services 

Most UK universities have dedicated disability and careers services that continue to support autistic graduates after graduation. These departments can assist with: 

• CV writing and interview preparation. 

• Job application workshops tailored to neurodiverse candidates. 

• Connections with autism-friendly employers or internship programmes. 

Students should maintain contact with their university’s disability support office even after completing their studies, as many institutions offer post-graduate assistance. 

Equality Act 2010 – GOV.UK ensures that universities and employers must provide reasonable adjustments to support graduates with autism in accessing employment services. 

5. Local and Community Employment Programmes 

Across the UK, there are community-based programmes specifically designed to support autistic individuals entering employment. These initiatives often provide job coaching, training, and supporting internships. 

Examples include: 

• Supported employment schemes run by local councils or autism charities. 

• Job clubs that help autistic graduates build confidence and interview skills. 

• Community mentoring networks that offer peer-to-peer advice and emotional support. 

NHS England (2023) emphasises that community programmes help bridge the gap between education and employment by providing consistent, localised support. 

6. Legal Protection Under the Equality Act 2010 

The Equality Act 2010 protects autistic individuals from discrimination in all stages of employment, including recruitment, training, and promotion. This means that autistic graduates are entitled to: 

• Equal treatment during job applications and interviews. 

• Reasonable adjustments in the workplace. 

• Protection from harassment or unfair dismissal due to their diagnosis. 

Understanding these rights helps autistic graduates advocate for themselves confidently when entering the workforce. 

7. Autism Detect: Early Support and Awareness 

Autism Detect is a UK-based initiative promoting early recognition, inclusion, and workplace support for autistic adults and young people. Its mission is to empower autistic individuals through education, employment, readiness, and public awareness. 

The platform provides evidence-based resources on autism-friendly workplaces, graduate support, and early interventions that improve long-term employment outcomes.