Author Archives: PhilBilzon

Challenges to Accessing Employment

The benefits of employment have been stated clearly, have been understood for some time and have no bearing on ability or disability. These benefits are: However, the transition from being unemployed to employment is daunting and the statistics surrounding autism and employment do not make for good reading:  There are estimated to be 332,600 autisticContinue reading “Challenges to Accessing Employment”

Autism, Work & Me – Part Two: The Search for Something to Do (Almost)

On Thursday afternoon, 2nd of June 1977, around 3.30pm, I finished my History O’ Level exam and I finally, officially, left school. I had pretty much stopped attending a month or so earlier as lessons had finished for exam preparation, but I was contractually obliged to take this final exam. In a few weeks’ timeContinue reading “Autism, Work & Me – Part Two: The Search for Something to Do (Almost)”

Autism, Work & Me – Part One: I Just Don’t Get It

‘Life is soup, I am a fork.’ The origin of this quotation is unknown to me, but it seems appropriate for someone with autism.  But first, some context.  I was diagnosed as being autistic late in life, thirty-seven years after starting my first job. I began my first job in 1977, and apart from fourContinue reading “Autism, Work & Me – Part One: I Just Don’t Get It”