Don't Write Me Off: make the system fair for people with autism

Journalists: find our press release about the Don't Write Me Off campaign in 'Related resources' at the bottom of this page.

Visit our dedicated campaign website to read our report and hear the real life stories behind the campaign.

Take action

So far, over a third of MPs have pledged their support for the campaign because of your help in raising awareness. However, we still need the Government to act to make sure that the benefit system works for the people it is supposed to support.

Email your MP today and ask them to support the campaign.

You can keep up-to-date with our campaigning news by signing up to receive campaign update emails.

People's experiences of work and benefits

Don't Write Me Off is about the real-life stories of people with autism, as they struggle to find work and achieve financial independence. But it also explores the simple solutions that could be put in place to make sure people with autism can live with dignity and fulfil their individual potential.

We followed a group of people with autism as they applied for Employment and Support Allowance (the new benefit for people who may find it harder to get a job because of their disability), and asked about their experiences of work and applying for benefits. The stark reality for people with autism is apparent:

• just 15% have a full-time job
• one-third are currently without a job or access to benefits
• 79% of those on Incapacity Benefit want to work.

For the system to work for people with autism and the Government to deliver on its commitment that no one should be 'written off', adults with autism need:

• Employment and Support Allowance to work for them
• Jobcentre Plus staff to understand and meet their needs
• a national strategy to transform access to employment.

Related resources

• Benefits and community care
  
• Employment
  

• Don't Write Me Off campaign website

• Don't Write Me Off report (PDF)
  Download a copy of our full campaign report.
• 13 Oct: Charity accuses Government of writing off people with autism (DOC)

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