If you’re neurodivergent, in the UK, and trying to overcome work-related challenges… the Access to Work scheme is one way to access otherwise costly support. I’ve been through the process myself, but also asked a range of colleagues (thank you!) to share their experiences, as the outcomes seemed pretty variable. Based on our combined experience, below is a guide to the process, some common hurdles, and the support we got!
The application and assessment process
Based on our experiences, these are the common steps in the process:
Application: Begin by applying online through the Access to Work portal. You do not need to have all the answers at this stage in terms of what you want/need, or to provide loads of information.
Case Worker contact: Once you’ve applied, a case worker is assigned to help manage your application and guide you through the process. For some people, they reached out by telephone. For others, by email. Mine reached out via email to arrange a phonecall, but I responded to say please ask me the questions via email, and she did. They asked me more detailed questions about what is difficult, and how autism affects me at work.
Assessment: Based on that information, if they think they can help, they will then book you an assessment to figure out the specific support you need. For everyone I’ve spoken to, and for me, this was a video call with an assessor. They will likely ask some more detailed questions based on what you’ve previously shared, suggest recommendations, and ask if there’s anything you're looking for in particular. Ideally, someone who understands your disability should conduct the assessment, but that isn’t guaranteed. For that reason, I would suggest making notes before you go in of any ideas you have for support you want. One colleague reported having to put her foot down in order to receive a full assessment in the first place, but she did get one(!) so it pays to be persistent if you need to be. I think this stage is a bit of a “luck of the draw” in terms of whether you get matched with someone with a great understanding… but do not be deterred! If you are struggling, you are entitled to support. Go in armed with some notes, and perhaps even ask to invite someone else with you for support if that would help.
Recommendation and funding: Your assessor will recommend various support and equipment in a report, all of which should have been discussed during your assessment. Funding is then allocated to cover this. You do not have to share your full report with your employer, but they will need to see the recommendations.
Implementation: You or your employer can then purchase whatever is recommended, and claim back most of the cost. Your employer will have to pay some % of the costs (hence why they need to see the recommendations!), but that varies depending on the size of the company, with smaller companies paying less.
Potential challenges
While the process is in theory simple, many of us faced bumps along the way:
Communication Issues: One person found it tough to get an assessment without really pushing for it themselves, but she did get one in the end. One person had a case worker who was less willing to contact her via email and preferred to call - if this is an issue for you, it is ok to make your preferences clear, and they should respect this.
Case Worker Expertise: One person mentioned that their case worker didn’t have many suggestions for accommodations, showing a lack of expertise surrounding her autism… she ended up without many recommendations at all, because she was expecting them to suggest things to her. On the other hand, I got someone who knew loads about autism and suggested lots of things!
Funding Limitations: One person received a recommendation and funding for coaching related to autism, but also required this in relation to ADHD, so it wasn’t quite enough to cover everything in the end.
Support received - in case you need ideas!
These are the types of support that, between us, we were offered:
Technological Aids: Grammarly Premium, Text Help Read & Write software, Brain in Hand subscription, Remarkable 2 tablet.
Coaching and training: Workplace training, ADHD and autism workplace coaching. Two people went in with a specific coach in mind, who was then recommended. Others have been recommended particular coaching companies to contact.
Other equipment: Most were recommended noise cancelling headphones, another some noise cancelling earplugs. Standing desks and standing mats were also suggested (although those people already had them, so they weren’t listed as recommendations in the end!)
Reflections and advice
Here are some final tips and reflections from those who’ve been through the process:
Persistence is key: Be persistent and proactive in following up on applications and assessments if you aren’t getting what you think you need.
Know your needs: Go in with a list of your struggles and needs to ensure you can ask for things and not be caught off-guard.
Advocate for yourself: If any part of the process isn’t meeting your needs, don’t hesitate to request something different - be that a different method of communication, a different assessor, or something else.
Utilise available resources: Ask others who have been through the process to help you with ideas (we all helped each other one way or another to complete the applications online). Ask a trusted friend or colleague to help articulate answers to questions if you are stuck.
Thanks again to colleagues who shared their experiences on this!
Lauren x