Autism West Midlands

Autism West Midlands operate a specialist advice service to help people with Asperger syndrome into employment - ASpire. We have more than ten years’ experience working with Jobcentres, employers and people with Asperger syndrome, and have achieved many successful outcomes. We adopt a person centered approach, embrace special interests and adapt to needs. We have supported people in work goals that have included everything from Administration to Zoo Keeping!

We offer the following services:

Work Choice:

We provide the Work Choice programme within Birmingham, Solihull and The Black Country. We work specifically with individuals with Asperger Syndrome or Higher Functioning Autism. This consists of Work Entry Support where we can provide up to 6 months of help with personal skills and work-related advice to get individuals into supported or unsupported work. We also provide In-Work Support for up to two years where individuals will receive help to start work and sustain a job.
We are working in conjuction with Advance Employment. To access this individuals must attend a Job Centre and be referred to the programme by the Disability Employment Advisor (DEA).

Specialist Interventions:

As well as providing Work Choice we are offering the option for other service providers to purchase in our specialist support. We can provide this across the West Midlands. We have experience in working with individuals with Asperger Syndrome of varying abilities and within a wide variety of workplace settings. Short term or long term our Specialist Intervention has proved to be effective and successful for individuals and employers alike.

We are able to provide:
• Specialist assessment, profiling and action planning
• Personal Development / Work Preparation 1:1 support
• Personal Development / Work Preparation group work days
• Job Coaching
• General autism awareness employer training
• Customer-specific autism training for employers

If you are interested in purchasing our specialist intervention please contact us to discuss a support package.

Future Possibilities – Personal Development Programme

Future Possibilities is a short 10 week course for adults with autism or Asperger syndrome living in Birmingham or Sandwell.

Course topics include:
• Disability awareness
• Developing self confidence
• Safer travel confidence
• Employment skills
• Teambuilding
• Health and well being

The course consists of one group session each week, with follow up 1:1 sessions, supported by individual action plans.

Workplace support:

People who have found work or who are employed already can receive support within the workplace. Support packages are designed to meet the need of the individual and the employer and can include training for managers and colleagues. The individual can have an Employment Supporter visit them in the workplace and support with learning new tasks, developing an understanding of the workplace culture and communication. Support can be ongoing. Individuals are assisted to apply to Access To Work who will provide grants to fund this support.