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<p>Government does not collect data specifically on employment rates for people with
Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC).</p><p>Estimates are available from the National
Autistic Society (NAS), who suggest that 15% of working age people with autism are
in full time employment.</p><p>Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is taking a
number of steps to help adults on the autism spectrum into work, including:</p><ul><li>the
development of an Autism/ Hidden Impairment Network across Jobcentre Plus;</li><li>the
expansion of the Access to Work Mental Health specialist advisory team to cover people
with autism and associated hidden impairment conditions;</li><li>work to implement
autism specific opportunities on LMS, Jobcentre Plus’s IT system;</li><li>the introduction
of a Job-Shadowing Work Placement Initiative for young disabled people (65% of participants
in the first tranche had autistic spectrum conditions)</li><li>The formation of an
Autism Taskforce involving disability organisations and disabled people.</li></ul><p>DWP
has worked in close partnership with the Hidden Impairment National Group (HING) to
produce an ‘Uncovering Hidden Impairments’ toolkit, which helps employers to recruit
and retain people with hidden impairment conditions.</p><p>DWP is fully committed
to the Government’s Autism Strategy. The latest progress report on the Autism Strategy
can be viewed here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/progress-report-on-strategy-for-adults-with-autism"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/progress-report-on-strategy-for-adults-with-autism</a></p>
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