Supporting job seekers with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Everyone's inclusive employment needs are different.
If you have Autism, APM is here to help you find a job that works for you.
Like our teams across APM, you likely already know how challenging it can be to find a suitable job with so many changes to our day to day lives this year.
And like you, we’re resilient and committed to our goals.
At APM, we dedicated to providing Autistic people with the opportunity to find suitable work and progress on their path to a fulfilling career.
If you’re eligible for Disability Employment Services we can help match you to available roles or assist you in developing your job seeking skills and employment capability.
Contact your local APM team today to see if you’re eligible to join our inclusive employment program.
When you choose APM
APM works with Centrelink and the government to deliver Disability Employment Services.
When you register with APM, we check your eligibility for the program and help you get started.
We guide you through the Centrelink process and your initial assessment which decides your capacity for employment and suitability for the program.
Then we set your first appointment with a dedicated APM employment consultant who will spend time getting to know you, understanding the challenges you face and setting up a plan on how you can achieve your goals in the service.
At APM we understand how ASD often impacts on social interaction, communication and how you process information.
We work with you to establish the best way to identify your goals and what you want to achieve, and how best to communicate with you regularly.
Whether it’s on the phone, via email or text message. We’re here to support you.
Your personal job plan
When it comes to your inclusive employment Job Plan, we ensure you get the service you need.
Together with you and anyone you have for support, we will:
- Explore realistic job options where you can succeed
- Develop a personal strategy that includes job searches, resumes, interviews
- Discuss your support needs with your employer
- Look at any requirements for equipment or workplace modifications to help you perform a specific job
- Consider what support you might need when you start working
Building a job around you
At APM we want everyone to achieve their goals and experience the rewarding feeling of knowing they were hired because an employer recognised their true potential or ideal fit for a role.
Many job seekers find work in new positions created to match their abilities.
Where possible we will work with you to approach suitable employers and support job creation or redesign.
This may include going with you to potential employers and highlighting the benefits and services available to employers for hiring you through APM, which may include generous wage subsidies and adjustments to the workplace.
When you find a job
Our support doesn’t stop when you start working.
We also want to make sure you and your employer have everything you need to be a success together.
Depending on your level of support and the job you start, we work together to make sure you’re able to work safely and effectively.
This can include helping you access training, job coaching, performance monitoring, understanding the workplace culture and what is expected from you.
We also support workplaces with proactive education to be aware of any impacts your ASD may have wo we can help avoid any misunderstandings and create a culture of support and inclusion.
If you need ongoing support for long periods of time we will also discuss this with you and establish a support structure.
Our goal is to see you enjoy rewarding and long-term employment and ensure you have the right level of support to succeed.
Get in touch with our teams to find out more.
Get started in three easy steps
Step one
Register with us, and we'll be in touch in the next few days to discuss your eligibility and how to join DES with APM.
Step two
If you're eligible, you'll meet your APM employment consultant and tell them your interests, goals and challenges.
Step three
You get to work with your employment consultant and start your plan for new skills, training or a job that’s right for you.
A note on language and Autism at APM
At APM our language style is the adoption of a person-first approach, which emphasises the individual over their disability. For example, we refer to "people with disability" rather than "disabled people," acknowledging disability is just one aspect of a person's identity.
However, we also recognise language preferences can vary among different communities and individuals. Therefore, we are mindful of using identity-first language when it is preferred, particularly in the case of Autism.
Many people within the Autism community prefer identity-focused language, such as "autistic person," as it reflects their pride and identity within the autistic community.
This is consistent with the Australian Government’s language in the National Autism Strategy. And is supported by leading Autism organisations including: Amaze, Aspect, Autism CRC, and Early Start Australia.
Through our person-first approach and sensitivity to identity-focused language, we strive to foster a culture of acceptance and understanding for all.