Bridging the Gap: Supporting Autistic Graduates in the Transition to Employment

For many autistic graduates, the transition from higher education to employment presents significant challenges.

While universities and colleges provide tailored support through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), a gap emerges once these individuals enter the workforce. The shift from academia to the professional world is often hindered by barriers such as inaccessible recruitment practices, workplace cultures that lack understanding, challenging work environments, and inadequate support structures.

To tackle these issues head-on, Zone ND are excited to announce a new partnership with New College Swindon. This collaboration will focus on understanding the employment outcomes of autistic higher education (HE) graduates in the South West, particularly in Swindon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Oxford. Through this initiative, the aim is to identify key challenges and develop effective support mechanisms, contributing to a more inclusive employment landscape that benefits both autistic individuals and the organisations that employ them.

Key Findings from Our Research So Far:

The employment rate for autistic individuals remains disproportionately low at 31%, compared to 54.7% for all disabled people (Gov.UK, 2025).

Autistic graduates are twice as likely to be unemployed 15 months after graduation, with only 36% securing employment during this period.

Workplace culture plays a critical role in employment success—an inclusive, supportive environment significantly enhances retention and job satisfaction for autistic employees.

Many employers lack awareness of how to best support autistic employees, with 51% feeling unprepared and 64% unsure where to access relevant guidance.

To address these barriers, Zone ND are launching a groundbreaking pilot programme aimed at working directly with employers to implement autism-inclusive recruitment and workplace best practices. They are inviting organisations to partner with them in this transformative initiative, offering them the opportunity to:

• Gain or share practical insights into how to effectively support autistic employees.
• Receive or guide tailored advice on reasonable adjustments and inclusive hiring practices.
• Improve or recommend employee well-being and create an inclusive work environment.
• Position their organisation as a leader in neurodiversity employment, enhancing employer brand and social impact.
• Build a community with other forward-thinking businesses and leaders.

They are seeking forward-thinking organisations from all sectors to collaborate with them in this vital work. Participation will help improve employment outcomes for autistic graduates and contribute to the development of best practices that can be adopted across the nation.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your recruitment processes, improve workplace inclusivity, or gain expert guidance on neurodiversity at work, this is an opportunity to make a tangible, positive impact.