Autism and gap year

[wondabar]

We are looking at potential options for DS, aged 17 (with high functioning Autism) to take a year out between school and uni. He was at a specialist school for almost ten years and is in his last year of a mainstream Sixth Form college, where have has been coping really well. He is shy initially when meeting new people and admits himself that a year out between school and uni may be beneficial in helping him become more sociable. He loves travelling and is a fast learner. Are there any organisations that can help with placing people in their gap year in jobs or experiences abroad, ideally somewhere that has placed young adults with ASC previously?

I don’t know about abroad, but if DS was to stay at home have you considered a supported internship, supported apprenticeship or supported work experience as part of bespoke package via DS’s EHCP?

That sounds interesting. How would it get added to his EHCP? Do you know where I find out more about how to do this and the internships offered?

DS’s EHCP can be amended via the annual review, or if you have already had one and won’t have another before the EHCP needs amending for phase transfer via requesting an early review.

Your LA will have information about supported internships and supported apprenticeships on their website. Some college might have information on their websites, too. For information on bespoke packages look at information about EOTAS.