Only 15% of autistic people in jobs, expert says

5th March 2010

There are only 15 per cent of autistic individuals in full-time employment, one specialist has claimed.

Head of external affairs at the National Autistic Society (NAS) Amanda Batten stated that the government's recent launch of a strategy to combat issues such as this is good news for people with the condition.

Unveiled on Wednesday (March 3rd), the Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives initiative will see a range of public service providers trained and advised on issues relating to autism.

"Most adults with autism want to work and want to be able to contribute to society," she explained, adding that the low figures regarding employment show that support systems in this area may be lacking at present.

According to Ms Batten the changes are something for which the charity has been campaigning a long time.

The introduction of specialist support teams will help prevent autistic people from falling "between the gaps in services", she added.