Cardiff University's research has led to better support for young people with learning disabilities and autism to help them find paid work across Wales.

Young people with learning disabilities or those who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience significantly higher levels of unemployment than their peers. In fact, according to The National Autistic Society, just 22% of autistic adults are in full time employment and the national learning disability charity MENCAP reports that only 6 in 100 people with severe learning disabilities are in work compared to 79% of the general population.

To address this inequality, our researchers explored an approach called a 'supported employment' model and assessed whether it could help more learning disabled and autistic young people secure paid work in Wales.

The team's findings influenced Welsh Government policy and their decision to invest £10m to launch a project called 'Engage to Change'. Hundreds of young people have benefited from this project which is now supporting them to gain work experience and find employment.

How 'Engage to Change' is changing lives

'Engage to Change' is an evidence-based project designed to help young people with learning disabilities and autism find work in Wales.  It is delivered through a consortium of charities and supported employment agencies and it matches employers with potential employees through a placement programme. This project removes formal employment processes, such as interviews, tests and presentations, which can be a major barrier to employment for people with learning disabilities and autism. 'Engage to Change' advocates for training before employment, rather than the traditional approach of an employee being hired before being given any training to do the job.  This is a key element of this model which makes it more effective for young learning disabled or ASD individuals as they have the opportunity to apply their training to real-life work situations whilst learning how to fulfil their role.