• Replies 13 replies
  • Subscribers 79 subscribers
  • Views 4323 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

the 15% in full time emplyment

longman

Reading the news item on the website about the Queen's Speech, with reference to the Full Employment and Welfare Benefits Bill, there is again that reference to only 15% with autism in full time work.

Figures like that usually move up and down a bit over the years, and it has certainly been a figure in circulation for at least ten years.

How was it obtained? Was it a survey of NAS members? Or was it a national survey by an organisation independent of NAS? Was it obtained by the Department of Work and Pensions?

What does it mean, beyond what it says? How was the in-work population defined, given a lot of people on the spectrum, who are in work,  aren't necessarily easily identified to be included.

The context of this is people whom the government perceives can work. Their notion of who has autism and their notion of work is quite critical.

I don't feel this unchanging 15% figure is doing us any good.

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    I would guess that the figure suggests that 15% of people with a diagnosis of autism are unemployed. (not shouting, just emphasizing!) The majority of autistic people in employment probably don't have a diagnosis. Also, the fact of being unemployed may make doctors more likely to take it seriously. If you have held down a job for 20 years the doctor is more likely to suggest that there is nothing wrong and that you may be imagining things or you are being over-dramatic.

Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    I would guess that the figure suggests that 15% of people with a diagnosis of autism are unemployed. (not shouting, just emphasizing!) The majority of autistic people in employment probably don't have a diagnosis. Also, the fact of being unemployed may make doctors more likely to take it seriously. If you have held down a job for 20 years the doctor is more likely to suggest that there is nothing wrong and that you may be imagining things or you are being over-dramatic.

Children
No Data