Gateshead Autism Strategy 2025-2030

I statements

• I have opportunities to work in paid employment.
• My employer understands how autism impacts me and makes reasonable adjustments.

Where are we now?

Aside of the issues reported by the recent Buckland Report (opens new window) autistic people report difficulty in work with other staff/managers not understanding what is needed to maximise their potential and support them appropriately.

Our commitment

Accept that each autistic person will have different strengths that they can and do bring to the workplace.

Continue to use the Gateshead Special Educational Needs and Disability Employment forum to support young people into employment.

What we will do

The largest employers in the area, Gateshead Council and the NHS will look at how to deliver best practice for autistic staff. We will engage with a number of SME's (small and medium sized employers) on current best practice to overcome potential challenges of supporting autistic staff, particularly where resources and expertise is limited.

Building on success of Gateshead Council's supported internships scheme in partnership with Project Search, various departments within the council will be asked to "pledge a placement". This will ensure that a bank of placements is available to match the interests of more young people seeking a supported internship.

We will actively encourage recruitment of autistic people into our workforce, offering workplace experiences such as work placements, and consider job carving where possible, that enables our autistic workforce to perform at their best.

Work with the Department of Work and Pensions and Job Centre to adopt best practise which enables unemployed autistic residents to move into work and education.

Where employment or formal education is not being considered, ensure our autistic residents have access to community-based learning opportunities that develops confidence, encourages community participation, and promotes positive physical and mental well-being.

Learn from organisations and experts by experience to help employers understand that support may be ongoing and flex rather than a rigid set of adjustments that can't alter. Autistic employees will need different reasonable adjustments at different times and in different contexts.

What does good look like?

We will ensure autistic young people at school have early access (year 8) to a robust employability curriculum that is complimented with good workplace experiences (visits, placements, employer talks etc), providing more time to develop appropriate workplace skills, knowledge and behaviours.