We often hear how difficult it is for a person with ASC (autism) to find any kind of employment. According to the National Autistic Society, only 16 per cent of autistic adults in the UK are in full-time, paid work while 32 per cent are in some kind of paid work. These figures, they say, are much lower than the numbers for neurotypical people or even those with other kinds of disabilities.
Given that autism is generally regarded as a social and communication disorder which is likely to include sensory challenges and high levels of anxiety, it’s no surprise that finding appropriate and meaningful work can be a huge undertaking for some autistic people. In addition, the condition frequently runs alongside ADHD and dyspraxia, which can affect coordination, time-keeping and planning – essential skills for many jobs.
Despite their challenges, autistic people have strengths just like anyone else and can make hugely valuable contributions in environments where their needs are taken into account. Although many employers are gradually becoming more ‘autism-friendly’, there are still few workplaces designed specifically for those with ASC.
Making Allowances for People’s Difficulties
However, one business that was created to provide employment for people with autism is social enterprise Park House Barns in Yorkshire which produces chocolates and novelties for sale in person and online. The company was set up more than ten years ago by the charity Autism Plus and now employs eight people aged between sixteen and forty who have autism or a learning disability.
Manager Michelle Lumb – not autistic herself – has worked as a teaching assistant in a special school in the past and also as a SENCO in a mainstream comprehensive. As a result, she has a lot of understanding of what it takes for a person with additional needs to thrive in the workplace.
“Our employees are of all abilities but not everyone can do everything so we match tasks to their abilities,” she explains. “Two colleagues are high-functioning – they live independently and drive to work – three come with carers and we also have a young man with Down’s Syndrome.
Catering for Employees’ Needs
“With autism, it’s very important that people ‘click’ with them so they feel understood. We take the time to get to know them and create a calm working atmosphere. They can listen to music or audio-books on their headphones while they work or take a break outside if they’re feeling overwhelmed – fortunately, we’re surrounded by beautiful countryside.”
Having regular work and earning a wage does wonders for the employees’ self-esteem, Michelle notes. “One young lady wouldn’t talk to anyone when she first started working here,” she recalls. “She used to work for one of the large supermarket chains but it was so stressful, she was always off sick. She’s much happier now and though she still has difficult days, she’s really grown in confidence.”
Working Hard and Producing Results
Despite such a small workforce, the company is amazingly productive, providing chocolate goods for local farm shops and online stores as well as individual clients such as Burnley Football Club, the North Yorkshire Railway and local hotels. Beamish Museum has also commissioned Park House Barns to create chocolate ‘coal’ consisting of honeycomb covered in chocolate and then dipped in black sherbet to sell in their shop.
Surprisingly, Halloween is one of their busiest times. Michelle says that they’ve created 5,000 chocolate lollies and 250 hollow chocolate pumpkins for one particular outlet plus 50 haunted houses and 500 lollies for another.
The organisation also offers regular workshops to local families and SEN special schools. “We have one young man who comes along. He’s non-verbal but he has a fantastic time putting the sticky labels on our products!
“It’s so rewarding working here,” Michelle concludes. “I’m no longer trying to make people do something they don’t want to as I was in the classroom. Our employees’ families are also thrilled with how we’re helping their relatives and can’t thank us enough. I really wish there were more companies doing what we’re doing.”
Park House Barns has plans to expand the company and is currently look at acquiring more disused barns for this purpose.
