Free Health Updates
Skip to main content
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

How Can Employees with Autism Report Workplace Discrimination? 

PostedDecember 18, 2025
UpdatedDecember 18, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Experiencing discrimination at work can be distressing, but you are not alone, and you are protected by law. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 make it illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because of autism or any other disability. Knowing how to report discrimination can help you take back control and ensure fair treatment. 

Schedule a private Autism assessment for kids

Understanding Workplace Discrimination 

Discrimination happens when an employer treats you unfairly because of a protected characteristic such as disability, including autism. According to ACAS, this can include: 

  • Direct discrimination: being treated worse because you are autistic. 
  • Indirect discrimination: when policies or practices put autistic people at a disadvantage. 
  • Failure to make reasonable adjustments: not providing the support needed to help you do your job. 
  • Harassment or victimisation: being bullied, intimidated, or punished for raising concerns. 

These actions are all unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. 

Steps to Report Discrimination 

1. Keep a Record 

Start by writing down what happened: dates, times, who was involved, and how it affected you. Keeping copies of emails or messages can help provide evidence later. 

2. Talk to Your Employer First 

If you feel safe doing so, raise your concerns informally with your line manager or HR department. Sometimes issues can be resolved through discussion, especially if your employer is unaware of how their actions affect you. 

3. Follow the Company Grievance Procedure 

If things don’t improve, follow your workplace’s official grievance process. According to ACAS, this is the formal way to raise a complaint about unfair treatment or lack of adjustments. 

4. Seek External Advice 

If you’re not sure what to do next, you can get free, confidential help from: 

  • ACAS: for workplace advice and mediation. 

5. Contact an Employment Tribunal 

If discrimination continues or isn’t resolved, you can make a claim to an employment tribunal. You must usually contact ACAS Early Conciliation first within three months of the incident. This process helps try to settle the issue before going to court. 

Support and Self-Advocacy 

It can be emotionally challenging to report discrimination, so seek support if you need it. Talk to someone you trust, such as a colleague, mentor, or union representative. 

The NHS England guidance encourages collaborative, autism-informed workplaces where inclusion is the standard, not the exception. 

Remember: standing up for yourself isn’t confrontation; it’s self-advocacy and your rights are protected by law. 

Beatrice Holloway, MSc
Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

Categories