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.
If my own experience is anything to go by, this DWP programme is fundamentally flawed. Even parents and carers of those considered high functioning will be aware that the constant need for reassurance and to keep some with Aspergers ‘on task’ can be a huge barrier to work. Weekly sessions aren’t going to address that. A person in the midst of a meltdown or a crisis of confidence needs support in the moment, not as part of a weekly of fortnightly, DWP timetabled programme of support. Additionally, some of the lack of self-awareness that can also accompany the condition, could indeed mislead a DWP support worker into believing that a candidate is coping when the opposite is true.
My son told a sleep consultant recently that he went to bed at 10pm each night and was getting up fine the next morning. (He has a sleep Syndrome that deeply affects his everyday function.) The previous night and for weeks prior to his appointment he was not in bed before 3am and needed considerable assistance to get up the following morning, yet he chose to tell the consultant of the two occasion’s in that month that he had achieved a successful nights sleep. I don’t believe this was a deliberate act on his part to deceive the consultant, more a desire to want to please or celebrate his achievement. The upshot being however, is that the consultant is left believing that my son can probably cope with a 9-5pm sometime in the future, when previous attempts at that have brought him to total meltdown and severe depression and his family to near breaking point.
He explained that he wanted to learn to live with and work around his condition meaning that he wanted to be able to work afternoons and when he felt he could manage. (Ie when the fatigue least affected his function.) The solution for him is a simple one, but the practicalities of this are clearly not acceptable in the mainstream world of work. He wants to work, but should be allowed to on his terms and in keeping with his needs. The ‘one programme fits all’ mentality to supporting those with Aspergers in the working environment is not realistic, nor achievable in my opinion and is likely to cause further distress to many who struggle with the everyday anxiety that can plague their lives. At a time when mental health support is being severely cut, I believe it will be left to families and carers to pick up the pieces.