Frequently Asked Questions

What does the campaign aim to do?
Adults with autism need a job when they can work and benefits when they can't. We are calling for a national strategy from government to transform access to employment for people with autism across the UK. We are also campaigning for a number of measures to make the employment and benefits system fairer and easier for people with autism including scrapping the need for a sick note, making sure people are asked about their disability when they apply and a better understanding of autism across all Jobcentre Plus staff, who determine eligibility for benefits or provide employment support. This should include the introduction of Autism Co-ordinators to work with frontline staff, local employers and employment support services.

How have people with autism been involved in the campaign?
Don’t Write Me Off is led by campaigners with autism. By telling their individual stories they are playing a crucial role in campaigning for our shared goals, through lobbying Government and MPs, through the media and through our campaign materials.

People with autism have been central to the research on which the campaign is based. We carried out in-depth interviews with ten people who had applied for Employment and Support Allowance, carried out a postal survey to learn more about people’s experiences of applying for benefits or looking for a job, and conducted phone interviews with people who have met with Disability Employment Advisers.

How can I get involved?
It’s easy to get involved in our campaign and will only take a few minutes of your time. Visit our Take action page to get involved now! 

I live in Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales. Is the campaign relevant to me?
Yes. Decisions about benefits are made by the UK Government in Wesminster, and not by devolved governments in Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland. But, the issues raised by the campaign affect people across the UK. That is why we are asking MPs from across the UK to help us bring about the changes needed for people with autism. 

Where can I get the help I need to get benefits or find a job?
The National Autistic Society provides support and advice to people with autism who are applying for benefits or trying to find a job.  Visit our Information and advice page for more details on the support and help available. 

I'm an employer. Where can I get more information about employing people with autism?You can find out more about employing people with autism by visiting our Information and advice page.

Why are you launching this campaign now?
Don’t Write Me Off  follows both the I Exist and Autism Bill campaigns, building on the research and outcomes of both. The forthcoming Adult Autism Strategy in England, and other government initiatives throughout the UK have taken some account of the needs of adults with autism. However, Don’t Write Me Off  has been launched to ensure these opportunities include the crucial issue of access to employment and benefits.

In addition, the campaign launch marks the end of the first year of the new Employment and Support Allowance, which should provide crucial support for people with autism whether or not they are able to work.

What is Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)? Why does the campaign focus on ESA?
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is the new benefit for people who cannot work, or find it hard to work, because of their disability. Over the next few years ESA will replace Incapacity Benefit (IB), and our research has found that around a quarter of adults with autism are receiving IB. 

ESA is part of a new welfare and benefits approach from the Government, where people are asked to show what they ‘can do’ rather than just what prevents them from working. While the NAS welcomes a focus on what people with autism can contribute, we are campaigning to ensure that ESA is simple and accessible, regardless of whether people are able to work.

If you have a question which is not answered above, please contact the Campaigns Team by email at campaign@nas.org.uk ; by phone on 020 7923 5799; or by post at 393 City Road, London EC1V 1NG.