Employment and financial help for level 1 Autistic Adult

Hi everyone,

I was wondering where/how I can find out what financial help is available for my brother who is currently unemployed, 37 years old and has recently been diagnosed with Level 1 Autism by the assessment centre? Also, if you know of any where to get help with helping an adult with level 1 autism get back into employment that would be amazing? We live in the North West of England in Lancashire.

Many thanks

  • You can ask your local authority for a needs assessment which should result in assistance with claiming and applying for benefits, assistance in finding Suitable long term employment and educational opportunities, assistance finding social event with other autistic individuals, Assistance and support learning independent life skills, Support with Housing if needed and one to one support. 

    Their are schemes and organisations across the UK like the "Shaw Trust" which can assist individuals with disabilities and long term illnesses learn employability skills. from my own personal experience these organisation are good at helping you with developing your CV and assist with creating cover letters but fundamentally fail to provide hands or proactive support and tend to pressure you to doing pointless and poorly delivered online learning and volunteering.You cannot self refer and must be referred through job centre. 

    Their is an organisation called "Genius Within" that works with people with neurodevelopmental disorders and provide in-work support in the form of coaching, training and assessments. they also support neuro minorities who are not in the workplace, who might be studying, unemployed or in the criminal justice system.

    Your local authority may have its own employability scheme that works with individuals from impoverished backgrounds and disabilities find and maintain employment. the professional carrying out the need assessment may refer and suggest this, it may take time to set up because of covid 19. 

  • Thank you very much for your advice

  • First port of call is the job centre.  Unfortunately this means by phone rather than in person due to the continuing tiny pandemic.

    Look into applying for both ESA and PIP.  Get help from someone like CAB in filling out the forms.

    The national careers service will help with training and educational opportunities.