By Joshua Robinson – 

A young man called Tim, who is autistic, has been able to find employment with support from REAL Employment.

Tim was referred to REAL Employment from Project Search, Huddersfield, and had previously worked as an apprentice in Kirklees Council’s finance department. After Tim’s job coach observed him in the role, she realised that Tim needed little support as he was proficient with spreadsheets. However, Tim needed support with non-work-related issues – things that neurotypical people take for granted.

Tim had to deal with invoicing and phone calls in his role and his job coach helped him when communicating as a council employee. He would occasionally get calls from angry customers, and Tim found this problematic. With his job coach, they talked about examples of how he should deal with these requests.

Tim struggles to understand complex meanings so new phrases and words need to be introduced with meaning to avoid causing Tim stress. Tim’s job coach had a word with his manager and it was agreed that Tim would have a place where he could sit and think and was provided with noise-cancelling headphones.

Following his experience in the finance department, Tim interviewed for multiple jobs and was successful in one of the roles and Tim’s new manager now supports him in the role.

How to Contact REAL Employment

If anyone faces barriers to work, because of a learning disability and/or autism contact REAL@kirklees.gov.uk or visit their website to access support at REAL employment | Kirklees Council

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