This initial project aimed to identify gaps in and barriers against the process of moving from home to work for people of working age with Asperger syndrome. As part of a wider programme of action research, this led to further work on how to remove these barriers through education, training and work placements.

Researching gaps and barriers in education, training and employment for people of working age with Aspergers syndrome

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, a condition that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. A number of traits common to Asperger syndrome include difficulty in social relationships and difficulty in communicating. The initial project was based on the long term personal experience of people with Asperger syndrome as well as on the personal and collective experiences of their parents and carers. The focus of this project was therefore on the identification of practical barriers and gaps faced by the target group, especially the difficulties and frustrations of negotiating the missing links between the health care, education and training and "preparation for work".

Project partners

Sussex Autistic Society

The Sussex Autistic Society was formed in 1980, and was originally set up as a self-help group for families of children with autism living in East and West Sussex. It has since developed into a professionally run service, with offices in both East and West Sussex. Their aim is to promote awareness of the issues surrounding autistic spectrum disorders and to ensure that families, children and adults affected by autism receive the high quality of support, education and service provision they deserve.

Asperger Sub-committee of the Sussex Autistic Society

The Sub-committee consists of people with Asperger syndrome and carers of people with the syndrome. The Sub-committee had been for some time deeply concerned with the gaps in the provision of support services available to them, consequently leading to the exclusion from education, training and work opportunities.

ASSERT (Brighton and Hove)

ASSERT (B&H) was initiated in October 2002 when a number of parents, carers and professionals concerned about adults with Asperger syndrome in Brighton and Hove met at the home of one of them and decided to form a group to cater for Adolescents and Adults with Asperger syndrome in Brighton and Hove. Their primary aim is to promote the relief of people over the age of 16 with Asperger Syndrome and their carers.

Postgraduate Medical School, University of Brighton

Teaching within the Postgraduate Medical School focuses on primary care, public health, secondary care, psychiatry and community health. Research expertise includes cardiology, psychiatry, public health, general practice and aspects of health informatics.