The Disability Advice and Welfare Network (DAWN) has launched an ‘Autism Passport’ for education leavers which is designed to help autistic people into work.
The Passport was developed in response to the 2024 Buckland report, which found that only three in 10 autistic adults are in work. But DAWN says the benefits autistic people bring to the world of employment are ‘remarkable’ and include punctuality, dedication and a keen eye for detail.
The Passport has been developed and produced in partnership with Suffolk Law Centre, with the help of a group of autistic young people, families and carers. It includes advice on Education, Health and Care Plans; money and benefits; applying for jobs (including writing a CV and where to look for work), disclosing autism and knowing your rights.
Annie Sands, DAWN’s director said: “The Autistic Education Leavers Passport, has been developed with autistic young people and professionals with personal and professional experience of autism.
“It is important to highlight how businesses can benefit from employing autistic people. The Buckland report is a valuable resource and helps highlight how inaccessible employment is for autistic people.
“DAWN and our supporters urge the new government to support the autistic community and implement feedback in response to the Buckland report.”
DAWN also have another Passport which helps others quickly and easily understand someone’s autism and how to make adjustments.
The Autism Passport is free to download for individuals who are autistic and can be used in a variety of situations such as Job Centres and healthcare, court and religious settings.
It includes an ‘About Me’ section with basic information about the person, characteristics of the person’s autism, stress reducing methods, and a checklist with information about how you can help the individual i.e. ‘Give me time to respond to questions’ and ‘Do not use complicated language’.
William, an autistic person who has utilised the passport, said: “Because I struggle with retaining information and communicating my needs, the Autism Passport has been great for me to use with health professionals. It allows people to understand me, and gives more awareness about how my neurodiversity affects me.”
