Innovative training The National Autistic Society launches new training package

The National Autistic Society (NAS), the UKís leading charity for people with autism and their families and carers, has launched a new training programme throughout the UK to train professionals to support people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders Disorders (ASD) to find and retain employment.

This initiative follows on from the NASí highly successful Employment Campaign: The Undiscovered Workforce 2004, which raised awareness with employers about the skills that people with ASD can bring to the workplace.

Prospects, The NASí employment consultancy has an excellent track record of supporting people with autism in order to find workemployment and works hard to combat the shocking fact that in the UK currently, only 6% of people with autism and 12% of people with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome are in full time employment..

The Prospects Provider Training Programme is designed to train a range of professionals ñ including workers within the employment and disability fields, social workers, teachers and health care workers.

Rebecca Newstead, Prospects Provider Training Co-ordinator said:

ìIndividuals with autism can become highly valued employees, and employers and colleagues report on the positive impact individuals can have on their own working practices.. Despite this, in the UK currently, only 6% of people with autism and 12% of people with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome are in full time employment. It is essential that more professionals can effectively support people with autism to find and keep meaningful employment. This training programme will enable professionals to work confidently with people with ASD and gain successful outcomes.î

The Prospects Provider Training Programme is designed to train a range of professionals within the employment and disability fields, social workers, teachers and health care workers in the skills and strategies to work effectively with people with autism.

The complete training programme consists of a five day course but modules can be delivered individually in line with participants needs.. Modules cover an introduction to autism, ideas on how to use Prospects training resources within service delivery and job finding strategies for

people with autism. There is also an opportunity for consultancy, working with you at your premises or shadowing staff at a Prospects office.

For further information about the programme, please contact Jill Lennon - Scotland & Northern Ireland on 01887 820 388 or jlennon@nas.org.uk or Rebecca Newstead - England & Wales on 020 7704 7450 or rebecca.newstead@nas.org.uk