Welcome to our story
According to the National Autistic Society, 73% of autistic people are unemployed in the UK. Our founder Callsuma Ali, created Jobs for Autistic People to tackle the rising 73% unemployment rate in the hope of collaborating with employers and training providers. Callsuma is all too familiar with the barriers faced by autistic people in the workforce.
Autistic people experience significant inequalities in society, they often want to work but encounter numerous barriers in job applications, retention, and career advancement due to a lack of understanding and support, as well as issues like conflict, bullying, and harassment in the workplace.
Many organisations appear to be embracing neurodiversity initiatives without fully understanding autism or the practical changes needed to support autistic individuals effectively. While discussions around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) have become more prominent, the persistently high rate of autistic unemployment, often cited at around 73%, suggests that there remains a significant gap between organisational commitments and meaningful outcomes.
Inaccessibility begins right from the application process whether disclosure happens or not, right through to the interview stages, social expectations and communication styles may not align between autistic people and neurotypical people. This can lead to misunderstanding that not only leads to being rejected but also a frustrating lack of constructive specific feedback that would help individuals improve for future opportunities.
Furthermore, for those who are fortunate enough to receive a job offer, the experience can take another turn when reasonable adjustments that were promised or discussed are not upheld once they start working. Such experiences highlight the pressing need for employers to better understand and support the needs of autistic individuals throughout every stage of the employment process. It is no surprise why many autistic people do not disclose, the workforce is simply not accessible to autistic people due to their lack of education and flexibility.
The three biggest barriers autistic people face in the world of work are inaccessible recruitment methods, acceptance of difference and reasonable adjustments are not implemented or not committed to.
In setting up jobs for autistic individuals, we aim to collaborate with committed employers to address the employment gap faced by the autistic community. We seek to find employers that are serious about hiring autistic people, that want to foster trust and understanding. Ultimately improving outcomes and providing accessible training and employment opportunities that provide the sense of belonging autistic people desire.
In a world full of problems we need more ideas and solutions, recognising and valuing perspectives that autistic individuals bring to the workplace can lead to innovative solutions and creative problem-solving. By fostering an inclusive environment that appreciates different working styles, we can benefit from the strengths that each person contributes, ultimately enriching the collaborative process.
It’s time to start thinking differently.
Founder – Callsuma Ali
Jobs for Autistic People 