The barrier to the workplace is often about social skills - "fitting in" in the workplace. It means that people on the spectrum who have proved themselves academically, either at A level or by getting a degree often find they cannot get work because they cannot conform to the socially based framework of work environments.
Work experience opportunities therefore seem to be mostly of the mundane sort, routine and basic filing, sorting, packaging jobs that don't relect academic achievement.
What is needed is to persuade industry to sponsor people on the spectrum to have work experience opportunities related to aptitudes or special interests where they can excel by doing things which have career applications. These work opportunities would need to be insulated from the usual social skills barriers.
By giving people confidence building opportunities, it not only helps individuals on the spectrum to break through workplace barriers, but it provides an opportunity to demonstrate to industry and companies the potential value of people on the spectrum.
It is the sort of programme which might benefit from having a Royal patron to inspire companies to give young people on the spectrum work experience breaks pertinent to their special abilities
