Work Experiences and Internship Opportunities for Neurodivergent People

by Laurie Edmans

One of the main reasons that GAIN was set up, is the fact that many neurodivergent people find it difficult to get the first step on the employment ladder.  This is particularly marked for, but by no means confined to, autistic people, amongst whom – depending on which data source is cited – as few as 1 in 5 are in permanent full time work, or 1 in 3 in work at all.  When the vast majority want to be and, especially if a good match can be made between a job and the special abilities and attributes of neurodivergent people, can excel. 

The other side of this coin is that employers need the talent, which is too often untapped or underappreciated, in neurodivergent people.   A recent report on the major challenges facing the insurance industry, right now, had talent attraction and retention as one of the top ten challenges – along with more obvious, and massively important, things like climate change and cybersecurity. 

As the report said, 

‘The insurance industry is facing a talent crunch, particularly in the context of rapidly evolving technologies and digital transformation. Attracting and retaining skilled professionals who can navigate this changing landscape is an ongoing challenge.’ 

The most obvious example is the oft-quoted match that is made between data scientists, etc and some autistic people.  But that rather stereotypical match is by no means the only one. The abilities and attributes which accompany any form of neurodiversity can match jobs of all types and levels – ‘from the post room to the board room.’ 

But one of the major challenges faced by neurodivergent people is how to even get the first toehold on the ladder.  Many interview processes could almost have been deliberately designed to make it difficult for neurodivergent people to show what they are capable of.  So, getting a start, via work experience or an internship can often be the key to making a breakthrough possible.  

Its not just a question of whether the employer concerned might become a permanent place of work – although initiatives such as the ‘Employ Autism’ programme run by Ambitious About Autism report that more than 50% of the interns placed with supporting employers do transition to permanent employment with the same employer – it is a matter of building the confidence of the neurodivergent person, as well as giving some evidence of desire and experience which should assist in finding the right role elsewhere.  

Where might these work experience and internship opportunities be found? At GAIN, we are aware of a number of organisations which aim to help.  We can’t vouch for them all, because we don’t have direct experience of them all.  But amongst those of which we have heard good reports are: 

• Signing up for the ‘Work Experience Opportunity Alert’ at Ambitious About Autism.  This offers regular alerts on all the internships coming up. They have opportunities in the financial sector as well as others. They are also soon to be launching a round of summer internships with the Civil Service. And they aim to give all applicants careers support. 

• The programme run by Transport for London: Steps into Work programme who are looking for people ‘Aged 16+, who have neurodevelopmental differences such as mild to moderate learning disabilities, ADHD or Autism’ 

• Diversita - Diversita is a family run business which provides mentorship and assistance for neurodiverse candidates, and also supports employers. 

• SourceAbled - Part of Rangam, providing support and opportunities for neurodiverse job seekers. 

• Enna - A jobs board and support for neurodiverse  candidates. 

And it is worth considering, if you are not doing so already, joining in the regular virtual ‘coffee mornings’ which GAIN holds for individual members, and raising the question there, because others might well have had similar experiences.