Autism Acceptance Month: supporting more people with autism into work

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April is Autism Acceptance Month, and Lambeth Together partners are dedicated to improving the lives of autistic people through the seven key priorities in our All-Age Autism Strategy. To highlight the importance of this work, we’re sharing R’s story of impact and information on how your organisation or school can be more inclusive to people with autism.

Lambeth’s All-Age Autism Strategy, launched in September 2024 focuses on seven key priorities to improve the lives of autistic people and their families. One of these is to help more autistic people find and maintain employment – according to the National Autistic Society, only 30% of autistic people in the UK are in any kind of employment.

R’s story

R, a 22-year-old participant in the Project Search programme, has gained valuable work experience through a 10-week job at construction company MYCO Ltd. R’s tasks included making packs of manuals and keys for new homeowners, updating worker documents, and inspecting apartments. He appreciates the guidance and support from the MYCO team, which has taught him a lot about construction administration.

The team at MYCO are incredibly supportive, especially my manager, who helps me and advises me through my daily tasks. They have helped me understand a great deal about the administrative side of construction.

The Project Search programme provides real work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills. It’s designed to help young people with learning disabilities and autism make successful transitions to productive adult life. Participants engage in work placements within mainstream employment settings, supported by a host business, education provider, and professional adult supported employment provider.

For information for schools and employers on how to champion inclusion, celebrate diversity, and foster understanding of autism within their communities, visit World Autism Acceptance Month 2025.

Could you offer an employment opportunity?

Lambeth invites businesses and community organisations to join us in supporting autistic people. If you can offer employment, apprenticeship, or training opportunities, please contact InclusiveEmployment@lambeth.gov.uk

About autism

Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. It’s estimated that at least one in 100 people are autistic which means more than 700,000 people in the UK. Autistic people have a range of strengths and challenges. For example, some autistic people also have a learning disability and may need support with daily tasks like
washing, cooking or exercising. Other autistic people are in full time work and may benefit from reasonable adjustments.

If you’d like information on how to get a diagnosis for yourself or your child, visit the autism pathway pages on the Lambeth Council website.

More useful links and resources

A Lambeth Together priority

Lambeth Together partners work to deliver this strategy, with a focus on discharge from hospital, creating more employment opportunities, and providing earlier diagnosis and improved mental health services for people with autism spectrum disorder. Learn more Learning Disabilities and Autism Programme Priorities

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