Sunderland Software City

Autism Works MD Peter Macdonald (left) with Software Tester Chris Neville Smith

People with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are being supported into work by a North East software company which turns the positive traits of their condition into unique skills.

85% of people in the UK with Autism are currently unemployed as the condition can make it very difficult for them to maintain mainstream employment.

Some of the characteristics of the condition, however, can make people with Autism exceptionally talented software testers – a skill being put to good use by new North East social enterprise Autism Works.

The Newcastle-based organisation - which offers software and website testing services to clients across the region- is staffed almost-entirely by analysts who have Autism - the first company in England (and one of only a handful around the World) to be run this way.

Managing Director Peter Macdonald said: “People on the Autism spectrum can make brilliant employees; diligent, loyal, precise and very often highly-intelligent. What is more, their attention to detail, methodical approach to tasks and frequent enjoyment of repetitive processes can make them exceptional software testers.

 “On the other hand the condition makes it a major challenge for them to find and keep jobs, especially as traditional recruitment processes and workplace environments can often be very alien to them.  

“As a result, only 15% out of 400,000 adults in the UK with Autism are currently in paid employment, despite the fact that many are willing and capable of holding down a job with just a few reasonable adjustments to the workplace.

“We give them the training and environment they need to thrive – which does wonders for their self-respect and independence, while also offering a world class service to our customers.”

Offering testing for usability, regression, functionality and compatibility, Autism Works is being supported by Sunderland Software City, the regional initiative supporting and driving the growth of the North East software industry.

Sunderland Software City’s John Hart said: “The Autism Works story is little short of inspirational. They offer a very valuable service at a comparatively low cost while at the same time having a hugely positive impact on society, and we’re proud to supporting them in their development.”

Autism Works is a non-profit trading subsidiary of North East charity Education and Services for People with Autism (ESPA) Chief Executive Leslie Lane said:  “ESPA does a great deal in providing residential, education and support services for people with Autism in the North East, but achieving long term employment for people with Autism has always been difficult.  

“Autism Works proves, that with some reasonable, and often very simple, work place adjustments, people on the spectrum can make highly effective employees.”