April marks World Autism Acceptance Month - a time to celebrate neurodiversity, amplify autistic voices, and raise awareness of how we can all help build more inclusive spaces. At Outsource UK, we’re proud to stand alongside the autistic community, not just this month, but every day.
We believe that inclusion starts with understanding - and that includes knowing what support is available for autistic adults in the workplace. Whether you're job hunting, starting a new role, or already in work and navigating challenges, we’re here to help you feel confident and empowered at every stage.
✅ Your Legal Right to Workplace Adjustments
In the UK, autistic employees are protected by the Equality Act 2010, which means you have the legal right to ask for reasonable adjustments in the workplace. These adjustments are there to help you do your job more comfortably and confidently and they apply whether or not you have a formal diagnosis.
💡 You don’t need to disclose everything - just what you feel would help you thrive at work.
We also appreciate that asking for workplace adjustments can feeling daunting, which is why our brilliant Senior Contractor Care Consultant and Anxiety Ambassador, Lucy Durham, has put this video together to help you prepare for the conversation.
🔧 What are Reasonable Adjustments?
Reasonable adjustments are simple changes that remove workplace barriers. They’re designed to help you focus, communicate, and perform to the best of your ability.
Here are a few examples:
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🗂️ Clear communication – written instructions, avoiding ambiguous language, or allowing extra time to process tasks.
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🧘 A calmer work environment – noise-cancelling headphones, quiet zones, or remote working where possible.
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⏰ Flexible hours – adjusting start/end times or having regular breaks to manage energy levels.
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✅ Task support – checklists, visual planners, or breaking down tasks into manageable steps.
These changes may seem small - but they can make a huge difference to your experience at work.
✨ Extra support through Access to Work
Did you know you can also access government-funded workplace support through the Access to Work scheme?
Once you’ve got a job offer (or are already in a role), you can apply for:
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🧑💼 A job coach to help with confidence, routine, and workplace communication
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🖥️ Specialist equipment like speech-to-text tools or visual scheduling software
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🚌 Travel support if public transport is difficult
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🗣️ Communication support for meetings or workplace interactions
📍 Learn more and apply at gov.uk/access-to-work
👥 What’s a Job Coach?
A job coach can be a great ally when starting a new job or navigating challenges at work. They can:
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Help you settle into new routines
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Support you with communication or social expectations
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Work with your employer to set up useful adjustments
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Be a friendly sounding board when things feel tricky
Many job coaches are funded through Access to Work, so you don’t need to cover the cost yourself.
💬 Talking about Autism at work (if you want to)
You don’t have to tell your employer you’re autistic but sharing a bit about your needs can help create a supportive environment. It’s about setting yourself up for success.
You could say something like:
“I’m autistic, and I find I work best when I receive tasks in writing rather than verbally. Would it be okay to use written instructions going forward?”
Simple, clear, and to the point. You only need to share what you’re comfortable with.
🔍 Summary: Workplace Support for Autistic Adults in the UK
| Support Type | What It Helps With | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Reasonable Adjustments | Communication, environment, workload | Speak to your employer (protected by law) |
| Access to Work | Coaching, equipment, travel, communication support | Apply online via gov.uk |
| Job Coach | Settling in, confidence, routine | Often funded through Access to Work |
💙 Championing Inclusion for this World Autism Acceptance Month and Beyond
Autism Acceptance Month is about more than just awareness - it’s about action, allyship, and opening doors. At Outsource UK, we’re committed to helping autistic jobseekers not only find meaningful work, but thrive in it.
Whether you're looking for your next role or navigating workplace adjustments, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Reach out today - let’s find a job (and a workplace) that works for you.
📧 info@outsource-uk.co.uk | 📞 01793 430021
