The National Autistic Society (NAS) has published a report that calls on employers to curb an autism employment gap. According to the report, only 16% of people with autism are currently in full-time employment. Furthermore, only 32% are in any form of paid work, in contrast with 47% of disabled workers and 80% of able-bodied workers.
NAS suggests that it is barriers within the workplace that create the biggest hurdle. It suggests that relatively small adjustments could be made to assist people with autism, such as allowing them to wear headphones if they are feeling overwhelmed. In addition, the charity suggests that businesses could benefit from an autistic employee's tenacity and intellectual curiosity.