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Employment for autistic people

Hi, I'm wondering what measures (if any) there are in place for people with learning disabilities and ADHD when they are expected to enter employment? My brother won't leave education for years yet but is there any thing I could do to prepare him??? Thanks x

Replies
Does your bro have an EHCP or is he statemented?
EHCP's (Education, Health & Care Plans) are gradually replacing statements - and one of the great things about them is that they are explicitly supposed to take into consideration the aspirations of the child or young person, and things should be put into motion to help them attain their goals. Obviously this is hugely dependent on the DP, their needs and wishes, and what's appropriate. But, for example, if your brother fancies being an engineer, and this would be recorded in the EHCP. For this he'd probably need to go to University, and so as he grows up, the planned support would be amended and adjusted in line with his development, enabling him to sit GCSEs, then A Levels, etc, with a view for him to go to Uni at the end. The good thing about EHCPs (as opposed to statements) is that they last until the DP is 25 years old. So in *theory* (they are super-new!) the DYP comes out of an EHCP process aged 25 with a really well rounded and personalised legacy of support, giving a strong foundation for entering the workplace / independent living / etc etc.
In general, I'd say that just chatting with him to get him used to, and thinking about, the idea of employment one day, might be a good start. I have a cousin who loves to play 'shop' - we made him a 'shop front' out of a giant cardboard box and some paint, got him a little till that dings, and some 'products' from Ikea.... he loves it, and it's got him more comfortable with the idea of money in exchange for goods, the idea of a price, etc. I am one of his regulars and he runs a very tight ship!
Additionally, I'm not sure if it's age appropriate or not for him but you could perhaps suggest a little volunteering (or go along with him?)
No idea if any of this is relevant to you, but hopefully it will act as food for thought!
-Beth xxx
Thanks again, Catherine