Describe the barrier
Support is easier to explain when it is linked to what happens at work.
Access to Work guide
Access to Work autism support
Autistic people may need support around communication, sensory load, workplace change, travel, routines, meetings or recovery. Access to Work may help fund practical support where the person is eligible.
This guide helps explain how to describe work-related barriers, what support may be considered and how recommendations can connect with workplace support, assistive technology training and AXS Passport.
Think practically
Communication, sensory load, change, travel and routines may all affect access to work.
Plan follow-through
Recommendations still need to become clear support in the workplace.
What Access to Work may consider
Access to Work may consider support such as:
coaching or workplace support
assistive technology
assistive technology training
travel support
communication support
workplace assessment
equipment or adaptations
support with implementation
Access to Work decides what may be funded.
Preparing the support picture
Before applying or discussing support, it helps to describe:
which part of work is difficult
whether the barrier relates to communication, sensory load, change, travel, environment or routines
what support has already been tried
what would reduce the barrier
who needs to be involved
how support should be reviewed
whether assistive technology training may help
whether support needs to be recorded
Calling All Minds is listed in the National Autistic Society Autism Services Directory. National Autistic Society listing
Access to Work is not the whole support plan
Access to Work can be valuable, but recommendations still need to become practical support.
That may involve employer conversations, coaching goals, assistive technology training, manager guidance or a way to record access needs and adjustment requests.
How Calling All Minds can help
Workplace support
Support for employers, managers and teams around neurodiversity at work.
Explore serviceNeurodiversity coaching
Support for autistic employees and other neurodivergent people navigating workplace barriers.
Explore serviceAssistive technology training
Practical support with tools for organisation, communication, reading, writing and planning.
Explore serviceAXS Passport
A structured way to share access needs, preferences and adjustment requests.
Visit AXS PassportConnect Access to Work with real support
Calling All Minds helps autistic people and employers turn recommendations into practical workplace support, coaching, assistive technology and adjustment planning.
Frequently asked questions
Can autistic people apply for Access to Work?
Autistic people may be able to apply where they are eligible and need support related to work barriers.
What support might Access to Work fund for autism?
It may include coaching, workplace support, travel support, communication support, assistive technology or assessments depending on circumstances.
Does Calling All Minds support autistic people at work?
Yes. Calling All Minds supports autistic people and employers through workplace neurodiversity support, coaching, assessments and assistive technology.
Is Calling All Minds listed with the National Autistic Society?
Calling All Minds is listed in the National Autistic Society Autism Services Directory.
Can Access to Work replace reasonable adjustments?
No. Access to Work does not replace an employer’s duty to consider reasonable adjustments.
Can AXS Passport help?
AXS Passport can help record access needs, sharing preferences and workplace adjustment requests.