A MOTHER is appealing to businesses across Basingstoke to give her autistic son a chance and help him get his first job.

Sally Terry says her bright, clever teenage son who has learning difficulties is struggling to find employment despite applying for positions.

Carl Patey, aged 17, has undertaken placements with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and Hampshire Hospitals.

The Doves College student, who lives with his mother in Popley, has a flair for cookery, regularly making meals at home, and can knock up a Lego display within 20 minutes.

“Carl has a talent at putting furniture together. Anything practical with his hands, he excels in. He is very caring and emotionally intelligent. He’s responsible and looks after his younger brother,” the hospital worker from Popley said.

Basingstoke Gazette:

The mother-of-two’s message to prospective employers is to consider her son. “Carl is bright and clever. He has lots of potential. I’d just like a company or business with good-natured people to give him a chance," she said. 

Figures show that sadly Carl’s situation is far from unique. Only 16 per cent of autistic adults are in full-time work, despite 77 per cent of those with autism wanting to work.

Earlier this year, the National Autistic Society launched a campaign to encourage the businesses to do more.

Sally said it is vital that people are not judgemental. She said: “I just want to let everyone know people with disabilities can live a normal life. Don’t be too quick to judge. Not all disabilities are visible.

“I want to show other parents of autistic children that they can go on to lead normal lives. I know it’s easy to worry – I still do."

Carl is looking for a weekend job or evening work, which he can juggle around college.

Any businesses or firms with vacancies who wish to give Carl a chance, can get in touch with Sally through the Gazette by emailing newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk or calling 01256337444.