Published on 12, July, 2020
DWP are going to be targetting those with Autism and Aspergers, among other hidden disabilities, to undergo Psychotherapeutic interventions. It is very likely that those refusing to participate will have their benefits sanctioned, as they will be considered to be not taking active steps towards seeking employment.
"The aim of the provision is to provide in depth support to assist claimants focus their minds on the activities and behaviours required to obtain and sustain employment. The claimants, who are in receipt of either Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) will receive a highly personalised, individual, realistic, learning and employability programme, which is structured, focused and tailored to each claimant’s specific needs. This will include tackling complex barriers, as well as worklessness, motivation, interaction, anxiety concerns, and concentration issues."
https://www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/Common/View%20Notice.aspx?NoticeId=1702143
I myself have Aspergers and a First Class Honours Degree in Psychology. Despite my difficulties and concerted effort in seeking work, I only managed to secure my first job aged 32. It always came down to the fact that I was unable to do as well as others in interviews and compete against those without my difficulties. Making employers aware of Aspergers in aplication forms never helped. I only successfully secured a job when an employer was willing to offer unpaid work experience and judge me based on my work performance, rather than interview performance - I had infact just failed to get through an interview at the same employer.
I know the problem is not with people with the types of difficulties described. The problem is employers who are unwilling to see beyond these differences. I welcome any efforts to help people into work. However, I am appalled that this approach blames people for difficulties they never chose to have. Efforts should be directed at employers themselves.
It would be nice to see an official line on this issue from NAS at some point, but I accept this can only be done once all is known. Will try research this issue more later and update this post if necessary.
I think this must relate to some of the outcomes of the Access to Work Scheme, latest report 19th December - "Improving access to work for disabled people"
This seems to be using the Social Model of Disability to create a "level playing field". That is to say they will provide aids and services which supposedly will provide disabled people with an even chance in the job market.
So they propose providing prosthetics, computer software, special purpose laptops, hearing aids, a BSL interpreter - whatever such gestures might supposedly make a difference - and then it'll all be plain sailing.
What I've been trying to point out (having been involved in support in the HE sector), is that level playing field thinking doesn't work well for autism. There isn't a simple prosthetic or device or minor service that will make this supposed difference.
What people on the spectrum need is some way round the need for social interaction - fitting in at work, and recognition of the various other difficulties explained to employers.
But I don't think NAS is sending that kind of message.
I suspect this psychotherapeutic intervention is another quick fix idea for AtW
And yes it is time NAS came clean about what message they have given to the Access to Work programme.