The Autism Project

The Autism Project is a full time 2-year employment programme for young people on the autism spectrum who would like to work but need more confidence, support, skills, and experience.

All students follow our supported internship curriculum for their first term and typically, students will spend 3 terms (their first year) following this: they will learn within real work experience placements within either Guy’s & St. Thomas’ or Whittington hospitals four days a week, supported by work-place mentors and specialist job coaches. They will also attend class once a week, where they learn valuable employability and independent living skills. The objective is for young people to become ‘work-ready’.

Students progress to the year two curriculum once ‘work-ready’, typically in term 4, where the focus is on greater independence in the workplace (with a wider range of employers). Students are supported to develop their interview and communication skills and to actively seek and hopefully gain paid employment, a paid apprenticeship or further vocational training of choice. In year two students access weekly 1:1 job search sessions.

TAP staff use person centred planning and our aim is to help all students reach their individual goals as defined in their Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP). Throughout the course there is a high level of 1:1 support. Students also have access to weekly SaLT and Wellbeing sessions if needed.

In addition The Autism Project supports young people to improve their independent living skills, become involved in their community and take steps to stay healthy through enrichment activities and social groups that run across all CareTrade services. This includes travel training.

Who is the service for? Young adults with a diagnosis of autism, living in London

Criteria for access to service: A diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, aged 18-25, wants to work. Has or is in the process of being assessed for an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

How are decisions made to access the service: The Autism Project has an admissions policy and criteria which is strictly adhered to and is available on request.

Qualifications and Training provided: City & Guilds Qualifications (Entry 2 to Level 2) in Functional Skills (English & Maths) if needed, intensive supported work experience, mock interviews and job searching.

Accessibility of this service: Students (and their parents/carers) are responsible for ensuring students are able to get from home to their work placements (and back at the end of the day). We have a job coach and workplace mentors who will assist students with any daily needs or difficulties they may face in their work placements and travel training forms part of the programme. Individuals need to be responsible for their own personal care, lunch-times and getting around the hospital independently.

How is this provided?

This service will be provided initially by 4 days a week work placement within Guys and St Thomas or The Whittington hospital, supported by trained mentors and managers with regular visits from CareTrade mentor and job coach, combined with class based learning once a week. Employability and Functional Skills are taught.

Students will then progress onto placements in different organisations for 2 days a week, whilst being supported to achieve any relevant qualifications or training for their desired career, plus support with CV writing, job searches and applications and mock interview practice.

How can I access this service?

We accept referrals from Local Authorities and directly from young people.
Applicants should complete a TAP application form and supply copies of documents as requested including a copy of a current EHCP where applicable. We hold informal interviews with all applicants (who meet our primary criteria) and all suitable applicants are invited to complete a half day assessment and DBS check.

All students are required to have an EHCP in place prior to starting. Any additional support needs should be discussed when applying to ensure the correct support is in place prior to starting.

How is this service funded? A young person’s place is funded by their Local Authority (usually by Education but sometimes Social Services or a combination of these). This usually requires an EHCP to be in place or for an assessment to be in progress. Occasionally a student may be funded otherwise.

Do you need to pay for this service? See above

Confidentiality and Impartiality: The service is confidential, and you will be asked for permission for us to speak with professionals on your behalf. We have a duty to report safeguarding issues.

Useful to know:

Contact us:

Email: jemma.dear@caretradeuk.org
info@caretradeuk.org
Website: http://www.care-trade.org/