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.
Agreed ATOS is a big factor here. But so is giving an accurate picture of the autism employment situation.
To quote a speech by Lord David Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform 20th March 2012. He had heard from Mark Lever in 2008 that only 15% of adults with autism are in full time work. So in 2011 he set up the Employers Roundtable.
"Employers need to know that it makes good business sense to employ people who are reliable, punctual and loyal; people who have good attention to detail and concentration levels; people who have excellent problem solving skills and can be analytical, resourceful and creative. What good employer wouldn't want an employee with those skills?"
Now that's a very good question. If that describes most people with autism why aren't more people employed? But this doesn't take account of the numbers with comorbid Dyslexia and ADHD. It doesn't take account of the impact of central coherence, social communication problems and a host of other issues. In short its a myth put about by NAS in particular, and the reason employers haven't snapped up these useful employees is that it is not that simple.
There have been a succession of great ideas like this, but are they based on a reliable representation of autism?
And just how old is that 15% in full time employment statistic? I've found it back to 2008 - that's 7 years ago. Hasn't it changed at all in the past 7 years?
So how much confidence is the DWP and other Govdernment "initiatives" likely to have in these claims? It is time that NAS started acting responsibly.