Problem addressed

From an evidence based perspective, placing the voice of participants at the centre of the study over the last 4 years - the IMPACT Programme address the following key problems. 

1. Transition from Education to Employment: 

• Lack of Guidance and Support: Many autistic participants experienced a lack of guidance and support during their transition from school to employment. This included negative experiences in school where teachers were not understanding or supportive of their needs, leading to low engagement and motivation. 

• Anxiety and Belonging: The transition to new environments and routines caused significant anxiety and disrupted feelings of belonging. The IMPACT Programme addressed this by providing structured support and familiarising participants with workplace expectations and culture. 

2. Job Application Process: 

• Complexity and Confidence Issues: Autistic participants found the job application process complex and overwhelming, often lacking confidence in their abilities. The IMPACT Programme helped by offering practical training in CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation, including role-playing and mock interviews. 

3. Workplace Communication and Culture: 

• Social Dynamics and Misunderstandings: Participants faced challenges in workplace communication and social dynamics, including misunderstandings and negative interactions with colleagues. The programme provided training on workplace culture, communication strategies, and the importance of understanding and navigating social dynamics. 

• Sensory and Environmental Issues: Sensory sensitivities and overwhelming environments were significant barriers. The IMPACT Programme emphasized the importance of reasonable accommodations and provided strategies to manage sensory challenges. 

4. Employment Retention and Progression: 

• Negative Past Experiences: Many participants had negative past employment experiences, including bullying and lack of support, which affected their confidence and willingness to seek new employment. The programme offered ongoing support and mentorship to help participants build resilience and navigate workplace challenges. 

• Lack of Career Progression: Participants often struggled with career progression due to a lack of understanding of their strengths and how to leverage them. The IMPACT Programme focused on helping participants identify their strengths, set career goals, and understand the principles of career planning. 

5. Holistic Support and Individualized Approach: 

• Need for Personalized Support: The study highlighted the importance of individualized, personcantered support. The IMPACT Programme tailored its approach to each participant's unique needs, providing both group and one-on-one sessions to address specific goals and challenges. 

• Building Confidence and Independence: The programme aimed to build participants' confidence and independence by providing a supportive environment where they could share experiences, learn from peers, and receive personalized guidance. 6. Employer Engagement: 

• Lack of Autism-Informed Employers: There was a need for more autism-informed employers who understand and accommodate the needs of autistic employees. The IMPACT Programme worked with employers to develop supportive, inclusive work environments and provided training on autism awareness and reasonable accommodations. 7. Ongoing Support: 

• Post-Programme Support: Participants valued the ongoing support offered after completing the programme, which helped them in job seeking and workplace integration. The IMPACT Programme ensured that participants were aware of and could access continuing support as needed. 

• By addressing these fundamental problems, the IMPACT Programme has significantly improved the employment prospects and overall well-being of autistic participants, helping them achieve their career goals and navigate the complexities of the workplace more effectively.

Innovative solution

As detailed in our DCU - IMPACT Gheel Report 2024, our IMPACT project offers several innovative approaches to address the challenges faced by the autistic community in gaining and retaining employment, while also supporting employers in becoming more inclusive. They include the following. 

Holistic Transition Support The IMPACT Programme is designed to facilitate a holistic transition for autistic adults into employment. This includes: 

• In-person and online training over six weeks, providing integrated individual supports. 

• Onsite support for managers, team leaders, and staff regarding autism-informed practices and accommodations. 

Individualized and Person-Cantered Approach The programme emphasizes a person-cantered approach, tailoring support to the unique needs and preferences of each participant. This includes: 

• Individualized assessments to understand each participant's strengths, challenges, and career ambitions. 

• Bespoke training that adapts to the communication and processing needs of autistic individuals. 

Focus on Workplace Culture and Fit A significant innovation is the programme's focus on helping participants understand workplace culture and find environments that suit their needs. This includes: 

• Training on workplace dynamics and communication strategies. 

• Role play and mock interviews to prepare participants for real-world job applications and interviews. Social Support and Peer Interaction 

The programme fosters social support through peer discussions and interactions, which are crucial for building confidence and reducing anxiety. This includes: 

• Group discussions and workshops that allow participants to share experiences and learn from each other. 

• Mentorship and peer support to facilitate the transition to employment. 

Employer Engagement and Education IMPACT works closely with employers to create autism-informed workplaces. This includes: 

• Autism Awareness Training for employers to understand the needs of autistic employees. 

• Ongoing support for employers to implement accommodations and support autistic staff effectively. 

Practical Experience and Work Placements The programme provides opportunities for practical experience through work placements and internships. This includes: 

• Taster work experiences to help participants understand different job roles and environments. 

• Mentorship programmes were employers act as mentors to autistic job seekers. 

Continuous Support and Follow-Up IMPACT offers ongoing support even after the programme ends, ensuring participants have access to resources and guidance as they navigate their careers. This includes: 

• Regular check-ins with participants to monitor progress and address any challenges. 

• Post-programme support for job seeking and workplace integration. 

Recommendations for Improvement are being address however to include; 

• Exploring alternative routes to employment like apprenticeships and creative careers. 

• Providing more practical activities tailored to individual contexts and situations. 

Key results and benefits

Overall, the IMPACT Programme's innovative approach lies in its comprehensive, individualized support system that not only prepares autistic individuals for employment but also educates and supports employers in creating inclusive workplaces. This dual focus ensures that both employees and employers are equipped to succeed in a neurodiverse work environment. The following key figures indicate that the programme is making a positive contribution in supporting participants in reaching their goals. 

1. Employment Success: 60% of clients referred through the Careers Service are now employed. 56% of total clients in the IMPACT programme are now employed. 

2. Education Success: 27% of clients are engaged in career-focused education. 23% of clients who attended are now in career-specific education. 

3. Overall Success Rate:87% of clients achieved their goals through the Careers programme. 

IMPACT programme success rate is 80%. 

Active Engagement: 20 clients are actively supported through day services, living options, and community supports. 15 clients are actively working

Potential for mainstreaming

The IMPACT Programme is part of a Cross Border Study that is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs. This Study places a lens on the GAPS in the working National Disability and Inclusion Strategy document. One of the recommendations is to include the mainstreaming of the programme to widen the support network across Ireland, especially in rural areas. This work is ongoing in partnership with various stakeholders and parliamentary leaders.