Supporting autistic people at work: the journey from school to employment

For autistic individuals, the journey to meaningful employment often begins long before stepping into the workplace. Skills that foster independence, organisation, and communication are cultivated in supportive environments, like Tram House School, where behaviour analysis underpins teaching practices. By understanding the unique strengths and challenges of autistic people, we can build pathways to success that extend from the classroom to the workplace.

The importance of organisation and independence

Organisational skills are the backbone of independence, but they can be an area of difficulty for autistic individuals. These skills are essential for tasks like preparing for the workday, following multi-step instructions, and managing time effectively. For instance, a learner who struggles to organise materials for a lesson may face similar challenges when handling workplace tasks. At Tram House School, we use visual timetables, task analysis, and forward/backward chaining to break activities into manageable steps, reinforcing each stage until the learner gains confidence.

Key strategies to support organisation:

• Visual schedules and task boards
• Breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps
• Using timers or alarms to build time management skills

This structured approach mirrors workplace strategies, where clear instructions, checklists, and success criteria can create a more accessible environment. When schools and workplaces align their strategies, autistic individuals can transfer these skills seamlessly, fostering confidence and competence.

Building communication and social skills

Communication can present challenges for autistic individuals, especially in interpreting non-verbal cues, understanding abstract language, or managing speech pace. In school settings, learners practice communication through structured activities, social stories, and speech and language support. These practices help individuals learn to express needs, navigate conversations, and follow instructions, which are all critical for workplace success.

Simple workplace adjustments for communication:

• Providing written or visual instructions
• Allowing extra processing time in conversations
• Using clear, literal language to reduce ambiguity

Employers can support communication by adapting methods to suit individual needs, empowering autistic employees to contribute their talents without being overwhelmed.

Managing sensory and emotional needs

Sensory sensitivities can significantly impact an autistic person’s ability to focus and regulate emotions at work. What may seem like minor environmental factors – fluorescent lighting, background noise, or crowded spaces – can cause distress or sensory overload. At Tram House School, learners engage in sensory regulation activities like deep pressure exercises or calming routines to prepare for tasks.

Workplaces can mirror this by creating sensory-friendly environments with quiet spaces, noise cancelling headphones, and flexible break schedules. Normalising self-regulation strategies, like stimming tools or movement breaks, allows autistic employees to manage sensory input while staying engaged and productive.

Translating school-based skills into workplace success

Vocational experiences play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employment. At Tram House School, learners take part in work experiences that build practical skills from assembling toolkits in an office setting to learning time management and teamwork in community-based roles. These real-life opportunities provide a safe space to practice key skills, receive corrective feedback, and build resilience, essential components of lifelong learning.

Job coaching and gradual fading of support further enhance the transition to employment. By breaking down complex tasks and teaching self-advocacy skills, autistic individuals can gradually take ownership of their work, growing in independence and self-assurance.

Creating Inclusive Workplaces

The employment rate for autistic individuals remains disproportionately low, yet with the right support, autistic employees bring immense value to the workforce. Employers who embrace adjustments through clear communication, sensory accommodations, structured routines, and positive reinforcement, not only support autistic employees but cultivate a more compassionate, innovative workplace culture.

The work done in schools like Tram House, where learners are empowered through behaviour analysis and tailored support, proves that autistic individuals can thrive when given the right tools. By extending these principles into the workplace, we pave the way for a more inclusive future, where autistic people can contribute meaningfully, pursue their passions, and succeed on their own terms.

For more information on employability, watch our Lunch and Learn session on the topic below. You can also download our free employability toolkit which is full of lots of great vocational tools and strategies. Or take a look at our employability training for a really in-depth look on the subject.