The first space dedicated to Help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to look for work begins to operate in the Community of Madrid. This service incorporated into the public network specializes in accompanying and preparing these citizens in the process of socio-labor insertion. Thus, from the center they elaborate an individualized plan for each candidate where your personal skills are enhanced. During this process, the resource also acts as a link to connect with companies.
“It offers an opportunity for them to feel useful and be part of society, in addition to building a path towards their autonomy and their future,” indicated the Minister of Family, Youth and Social Affairs, Ana Dávila, this Friday when visiting the facilities of this service managed by the A la Par Foundation. “Our commitment is that each person can follow their path and move towards an integrative and humane region”, he added after seeing first-hand this space intended for citizens between 18 and 40 years old.
The project started five months ago and since then 36 people have participated, of which three have already have entered the labor market. One of them is Miguel Ángel Menéndez, 25 years old, who has been working in a clothing store for a few months with an indefinite contract. “I want to continue growing personally and professionally. In the future I would like to become independent and this is a first step,” he commented on his experience in the program. “We have carried out different workshops, mock interviews, both individually and in groups and online. We have also worked on social skills, dealing with colleagues,” he detailed about the advice they receive.
Miguel Ángel found out about the program through his base center where they recommended he enroll. At the center, the team of professionals accompanied him during the job search process and in the first weeks after joining his current position. “The hardest thing for me was explaining my strengths and weaknesses,” has indicated.
Among the dynamics that are worked on, interpersonal communication is influenced. “Autism spectrum disorder affects communication, affects expression and the understanding of certain forms of language, such as, perhaps, more figurative language that we use frequently. To achieve this, action is taken from the educational field. This is already being worked on through Early Care, from the first detection in the environment at the age of two, when the diagnosis usually occurs,” explained Dávila.
This resource is endowed with a budget of 400,000 euros and joins the four existing socio-labor insertion services intended for the population with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%. They seek to favor the social and labor inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities by developing an individualized insertion program. Each plan works on the development of personal skills for independent living; Training and employment guidance is offered, as well as advice for the active search for employment. In 2025, 458 people participated in these programs, of which 120 found a job.
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