Transition from school to work: routes and support for autism

Legal status: 09.10.2026 (federal law, checked against the statutory text). Rules of school law are state law and are not covered here. This is not legal advice.

Orientation and advice

The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) advises people with disabilities in person and supports vocational rehabilitation, that is, participation in working life despite health limitations; it also provides information on severe disability and equivalent status. ^[7] A contact point for this is the Federal Employment Agency’s advice for people with disabilities. Independent advice on participation is offered by the EUTB.

Vocational training: rights and reasonable adjustments

The Vocational Training Act provides that disabled people are to be trained in recognised training occupations. ^[3] Rules on training and examinations are to take account of the particular circumstances of disabled people, in particular in the timing and content structure of training, the length of examination times, the admission of aids and the use of help from third parties. ^[4] Adolescents and young adults are treated as equivalent to severely disabled people during their vocational training or career orientation, even if the degree of disability is below 30 or has not been determined; proof is provided by a statement from the employment agency or by a notice. The equivalence applies to benefits of the integration office. ^{[6, para. 4]} In more depth: Vocational training with autism.

University

The 2021 S3 guideline recommended offering students and prospective students with autism individually adapted support where needed. They should also be supported concretely in making use of it. This ranges from the choice of course through counselling services and study support to reasonable adjustments and help with placements. ^{[1, Rec. 111]} In more depth: University with autism.

Benefits for participation in working life

Benefits for participation in working life are provided to maintain, improve or restore the earning capacity of people with disabilities in line with their ability and to secure their participation as permanently as possible. These include, for example, help in obtaining a job, vocational training and further training, supported employment and job coaching. ^[5] Overview: Benefits for participation in working life.

Steps for planning (editorial suggestion)

1. Start early: Talk about career wishes, strengths and worries with the school and the family before graduation gets closer.
2. Use advice: An appointment with the career or rehabilitation advice of the employment agency and, if needed, with independent advice.
3. Clarify reasonable adjustments: Ask the school, the employer or the university about the rules and applications that apply.
4. Keep documents ready: findings, notices, reports from school or therapy.
5. Raise the topic of support: Anyone who wants support can name it; much can be clarified in conversation.

What this article does not explain

Not covered are school qualifications and support routes of the states, workshops and other service providers, placements and career preparation in detail, student financing, and the question of whether and when you mention your autism in the application process.

Sources and literature

1. DGKJP, DGPPN et al. Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter. Teil 2: Therapie. S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Stand Text 02.05.2021 (Empf. 110, 111). – Guideline (in German); expired on 23 March 2026 (see no. 2)
2. DGKJP. Aktuelle Leitlinien (Eintrag 028-047: „Gültig bis 23.03.2026“). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/ – Professional society (website in German)
3. § 64 BBiG – Berufsausbildung (www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bbig_2005/__64.html). – Statute (German federal law, in German)
4. § 65 BBiG – Berufsausbildung in anerkannten Ausbildungsberufen (www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bbig_2005/__65.html). – Statute (German federal law, in German)
5. § 49 SGB IX – Leistungen zur Teilhabe am Arbeitsleben (www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_9_2018/__49.html). – Statute (German federal law, in German)
6. § 151 SGB IX – Geltungsbereich (www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_9_2018/__151.html). – Statute (German federal law, in German)
7. Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Seite „Menschen mit Behinderungen“. https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/menschen-mit-behinderungen – Authority source (in German)