At Maverick Thinkers we wish more people knew about the schemes and grants available. We’re here to try and simplify the system and share support, so you can be you.
Navigating employment with autism can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. There’s a wide network of support available, from government grants to specialist charities and mentoring programmes.
Access to Work government grant scheme.
Access to Work is a government-funded grant scheme that supports people who meet the legal definition of disability (including autistic people) to start or stay in work. The scheme provides practical and financial support to people who need support and adaptations beyond reasonable adjustments.
The support you can get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for:
– A grant to help pay for practical support with your work
– Support with managing your mental health at work
– Money to pay for communication support at job interviews.
You need to remember that Access to Work will not pay for reasonable adjustments that your employer has a duty to make. The scheme provides grants when you need something beyond what your employer can reasonably provide.
Your employer must consider available funding, such as an Access to Work grant before deciding an adjustment is not reasonable based on cost. Access to Work will tell your employer if changes they have requested funding for must be paid for by the employer as a ‘reasonable adjustment’ instead.
What can Access to Work pay for?
Examples of practical support that Access to Work can provide a grant to pay for include:
A support worker, job coach or travel companion
The cost of travelling to work if you cannot use public transport
Special equipment or alterations to existing equipment, for example:
Screen reading or text-to-speech software
Planning and time management software
Noise-cancelling headphones
Advice and support for employers and colleagues, including autism awareness training and/or reasonable adjustments advisory services
Work-related mental health support.
Access to Work Eligibility.
To be eligible for Access to Work, you must:
- have a physical or mental health condition or disability (including being autistic) that means you need support to do your job or get to and from work
- be 16 or over
- be in paid work (or be about to start or return to paid work in the next 12 weeks)
This can be either full or part time work and includes:- employment
- self-employment
- an apprenticeship
- a work trial or work experience
- an internship
- a work placement
- Access to Work is slightly different in Northern Ireland, more information on the NI Direct Access to Work page.
It’s worth noting that …
Grants can take a few months to be processed – get your application in as soon as possible.
Under the Equality Act 2010, autism qualifies as a disability, granting legal protection against discrimination. Employers must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to prevent substantial disadvantage. This may include changes to communication methods, workspace layout, or working patterns. However, it’s crucial to disclose your diagnosis, even informally, so your prospective employer is aware and can act on these obligations.
