A new report by the NAS reveals a third of people with the condition currently live without a job and without benefits, and many are forced to rely on family and friends for help.
She said: “It is totally unacceptable that many living with autism want to work but are unable to get the help and support they need to fulfil their potential. Help and support should be available to those who need it when seeking employment.”
“Only 15% of adults with autism in the UK are in fulltime paid employment. There is little understanding of autism amongst employment and benefits advisors at Jobcentre Plus and a shortage of specialist employment services.
“As a result they often experience inadequate job-seeking support, unnecessary and distressing delays in payment, or are being denied essential benefits altogether. The Don’t write me off report reveals that the majority of the over 300,000 working age adults with autism want to work but are being held back by a lack of support.
“It is scandalous that thousands of people with autism are being consigned to poverty by a complex and counter-productive benefits system. The campaign is being supported by Mark Durkan MP at Westminster.”