WORK & EMPLOYMENT

The Vocational Centre is a sheltered workplace that supports autistic adults in developing vocational skills through structured, work-based learning in a supportive environment. Participants build on their existing strengths while developing new skills, appropriate workplace behaviours, and social and communication skills. The programme provides opportunities to engage in meaningful work, earn a regular income through a stipend, and build confidence, independence, and self-reliance.

The Vocational Centre operates from two locations - Delhi and Gurgaon, Haryana. Products made at the centres include mufflers, handmade greeting cards, wind chimes, key rings, coin purses, trendy jute bags, gift bags, handmade jewellery, and festive items such as rakhis, diyas, and Christmas decorations. These products are sold directly to consumers, to institutions, and at exhibitions and fetes. Revenue generated from these sales is used to purchase raw materials for future production and to provide stipends to the autistic adults who work at the Vocational Centre.

The Employment Readiness Programme supports neurodivergent individuals in developing the personal, interpersonal, and workplace-related skills needed to navigate employment and sustain meaningful participation at work. The programme focuses on strengthening self-awareness, social communication, and practical life skills that contribute to workplace readiness and greater independence.

Key areas of learning include conversational and social skills, money management and budgeting, problem-solving, time management, health and hygiene, understanding relationships and the concept of privacy, emotion regulation, formal written communication such as emails, resume building, interview preparation, and developing a stronger understanding of self and identity.

This programme provides autistic individuals with structured training opportunities in real workplace settings. Participants undertake actual job tasks under guided support. They develop workplace skills, build confidence, and learn workplace routines and expectations. The programme also strengthens problem-solving abilities and provides practical work experience that supports the transition to employment.

AFA supports neurodivergent individuals in obtaining and sustaining meaningful employment through personalised planning, skill building, and workplace support. Support includes strengthening self-advocacy, navigating workplace relationships and day-to-day challenges, developing strategies for emotional regulation, and promoting well-being. Tailored to individual strengths, preferences, and support needs, the programme helps individuals build confidence and sustain meaningful employment.

AFA offers specialised technical and sector-specific training programmes for autistic adults to build practical skills for employment.

1. Retail Training : Conducted in partnership with Sol’s ARC and Amazon India, this programme prepares autistic adults for opportunities in the retail sector by building both technical knowledge and workplace readiness skills. The training introduces participants to the fundamentals of retail, including online and offline retail systems, e-commerce processes, and the retail journey—from fulfilment and sorting to packaging and delivery.
   Alongside sector-specific knowledge, the programme focuses on developing workplace competencies such as professional behaviour, understanding workplace expectations and rules, time management through schedules and routines, basic digital communication skills including Gmail and email use, and other essential soft skills required for employment. The training is followed by a one-month paid internship at Amazon, providing participants with hands-on workplace experience and an opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting.
2. Software Testing Training : Delivered in collaboration with Nagarro, NASSCOM, and Atypical Advantage, this programme provides autistic adults with foundational software testing skills, industry-oriented training, and support to prepare for the internationally recognised ISTQB certification.
3. IT Skills Training : This programme builds foundational digital skills, including computer literacy, logical thinking, creative coding, and early technical competencies that support future learning and work opportunities.

AFA works with employers and teams to build understanding of autism and neurodiversity in the workplace. Through sensitisation and training, we support organisations in developing more inclusive practices, strengthening workplace culture, and improving accessibility for neurodivergent employees.

We support employers in identifying roles, developing inclusive recruitment practices, and connecting with neurodivergent talent. This includes guidance on adapting hiring processes and recognising strengths-based approaches to recruitment.

AFA works with organisations to create enabling work environments by identifying support needs, recommending accommodations, and strengthening systems that support retention, participation, and growth of neurodivergent employees.