Richard Wilson leads drive to increase job opportunities for autistic

By HILARY DUNCANSON
Published on 31/01/2013 10:25

Actor Richard Wilson has called for people with autism to be given greater support to enter the world of work.

The star of Merlin and One Foot In The Grave made the demand as it was revealed that only about one in six people with the condition (15 per cent) are in full-time employment.

Wilson is an ambassador for National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland, which said large numbers of people on the ­autism spectrum have university ­degrees but are given only part-time or low-paid jobs.

Campaigners want to raise awareness of the benefits people with autism can typically bring to a workplace, such as attention to detail and an ability to cope well with routine.

Speaking outside the Scottish Parliament yesterday, Wilson said: “A lot of people are telling me that they’re not getting any support, especially in the realm of employment. Because communication is one of the problems for autistic people, very often the workplace doesn’t ­understand autism.”