Aldred’s compassionate, much-needed book enables autistic jobseekers to recognise their strengths, navigate barriers and build fulfilling working lives. It is full of evidence and actionable advice. Importantly, it is also a valuable resource for those wanting to create more inclusive workplaces. – Book Review by Dr Marc Fabri, IMAGE
With a Foreword by Prof Amanda Kirby:
This book could not be more timely or more necessary. Across the world, autistic people remain excluded from work at shocking rates—despite their intelligence, creativity and persistence. Work is about far more than income; it is a route to belonging, purpose and identity. Yet for too many, the door remains closed, or only partially open.
Dr Charlotte Aldred’s book is rooted in both lived family experience and deep professional understanding. It does not simply outline the problems—it provides practical steps and strategies to make change possible. What stands out is the balance between realism and hope. There is no minimising of the barriers: poorly designed recruitment systems, lack of awareness among employers, and the cumulative impact of rejection on self-esteem and mental health. But alongside this honesty sits an empowering framework. Readers are guided to understand their strengths, anticipate potential challenges, and identify the adjustments that can make work both possible and sustainable.
This book is written with autistic jobseekers in mind, but its wisdom reaches further. Families, careers advisors, job coaches and employers will all find in these pages a resource that challenges assumptions and points to solutions. It reminds us that employment is not about fixing people to fit rigid systems, but about adapting environments to unlock talent.
The strength of this book lies in its clarity and practicality. It recognises co-occurrence of conditions, it speaks in accessible language, and it keeps the focus on achievable actions. At a time when inclusion can too easily be reduced to rhetoric, this book provides a roadmap for genuine change.
I commend this book to you warmly. It has the potential to transform not only individual lives but also workplaces and communities, enabling more people to thrive, contribute and belong.
Disclaimer: IMAGE is not connected with the publisher or author, and we do not benefit from sales. Dr Marc Fabri was asked to provide a brief review of the book, an extract of which is shown above. More information is at https://uk.jkp.com/products/autistic-and-unemployed