The overall objective of the project was to improve access to vocational education and employment for autistic adults by strengthening the competence of educators, employers. We aimed to equip VET professionals, employers with practical, experience-based tools that support clearer structures, communication and transitions from education to work, while also providing autistic adults with learner-oriented resources that support preparation, self-understanding and confidence. A key objective was to introduce an innovative, holistic approach to neurodiversity. Rather than treating autism as a separate or specialised field, the project aimed to position neurodiversity as an existing and relevant dimension within mainstream VET systems, workplaces and adult education. We wanted to support systemic change by addressing several target groups simultaneously using shared materials and a common language. Another objective was to apply storytelling as an educational method. By integrating lived experiences of autistic adults, employers, educators, we aimed to develop tools that foster empathy, reflection and in-depth understanding, leading to more inclusive and sustainable practices in education and employment contexts.
The project was developed in response to a clear and recurring gap identified by all partner organisations in their daily work with autistic adults, VET providers and employers. Autistic adults still face significant barriers in vocational education and employment, not primarily due to lack of ability, but due to learning environments, current workplace structures and communication practices that are not adapted to neurodiverse needs. At the same time, VET professionals and employers consistently reported a lack of practical, accessible tools to support autistic learners and employees in a practical way. Existing resources were often fragmented, overly theoretical or deficit-focused, and rarely developed together with autistic people themselves. There was also a lack of educational materials that combine lived experience with professional knowledge in a way that is engaging and usable across sectors. Partners identified a strong need for concrete, experience-based guidance that could be applied in VET, employment and guidance contexts, and for learning formats that support reflection rather than prescribing rigid solutions.The project was developed as a bridge between autistic adults, vocational education and employment.