Getting work experience right for neurodivergent young people

CPD theme: Employment and work experience for autistic clients

Life changes, such as transitioning from education to work, can be uncomfortable for those with neurodivergence.  Moving from the structured five day per week formal timetable to an adult environment can result in feelings of loss and anxiety although others prefer the more relaxed routine.

This session will explore how work experience can start to build upon work-based knowledge for the young person and how they can self-advocate for the reasonable adjustments they need.  It will consider open questions in relation to interview skills, employability and work-based opportunities and how they can be targeted to enhance the confidence of the young person along with offering some tangible resources for engagement.

Session Plan

·    Welcome, aims and expectations
·    What work experience means for neurodivergent young people
·    Barriers and reasonable adjustments
·    The practitioner role in preparing the young person
·    Supporting employers
·    Resources and next steps

Sammy Everard RCDP MBE is an award winning founder and CEO at the SAMEE charity.  She is a PhD student at the Centre of Seldom Heard Voices at Bournemouth University and was named on the Disability Power 100 List in 2024. Sammyb is a Level 7 qualified business mentor, but says she is always looking for ways to enhance best practice to support the knowledge of practitioners and aspirations of beneficiaries.

This session supports the following competencies:

•    Networking and Partnerships
•    Career Development Practice
•    Professional Practice, Values, and Ethics