Access to work funding
If you are a neurodivergent professional, the government's Access to Work scheme may fund your mentoring with Managing on the Spectrum, at no cost to you.
What is Access To Work?
Access to Work is a government grant scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It provides practical and financial support for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions including neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia to help them start, stay in, or thrive at work.
The grant does not have to be paid back, and it does not affect your other benefits.
You may be eligible if:
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You are employed, self-employed, or about to start a new role
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You have a neurodivergent condition or disability that affects how you work
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You are 16 or over and based in England, Scotland or Wales
You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply but you will need to be able to describe how your condition affects your work.
What can it fund?
What can Access to Work fund?
Access to Work can fund a wide range of support. For neurodivergent professionals, this commonly includes:
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Workplace coaching and mentoring — such as the support offered by Managing on the Spectrum
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Assistive technology and specialist software
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Travel to work support
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Communication support
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Workplace needs assessments
Good news for coaching & mentoring: The costs of coaching and mentoring are covered in full by the Access to Work grant, regardless of the size of your employer. Your employer does not need to contribute.
How does it work with Managing on the Spectrum?
How does mentoring with Managing on the Spectrum work through Access to Work?It is simpler than you might think. Here is how the process works:
Step 1 — Apply to Access to Work Apply online at gov.uk/access or by calling 0800 1021 7479. When asked about your preferred provider for coaching or mentoring support, name Managing on the Spectrum.
Step 2 — Your assessmentAn Access to Work assessor will contact you to discuss your needs and agree a support package. They will confirm how many coaching sessions are funded and at what rate.
Step 3 — Share your grant letter with us Once approved, share a copy of your grant approval letter with Dan at info@managingonthespectrum.co.uk. This helps us match our invoicing to your grant exactly.
Step 4 — Begin your mentoring We book your sessions and begin work. After each session, your employer (or you, if self-employed) receives an invoice to submit to Access to Work for reimbursement.
Step 5 — Claim back the costs Your employer or you claim the costs back from Access to Work using the online portal at gov.uk. Reimbursement typically follows within a few weeks.
The SURE Framework
Mentoring with Managing on the Spectrum uses the SURE framework (TM)— an evidence-based approach developed by Dan Wilkins from both research and his own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic professional.
S — Sensory Awareness Understanding how your sensory environment affects your energy, focus and wellbeing at work — and what changes can help.
U — Unmasking Exploring the impact of masking at work, building confidence to be more authentically yourself, and reducing the mental and physical toll of hiding your neurodivergence.
R — Reframing Shifting unhelpful stories about your neurodivergence, recognising your genuine strengths, and changing how you relate to the challenges you face.
E — Executive Function Practical, personalised strategies for planning, prioritisation, organisation, time management and task completion — that actually work with your brain, not against it.
Mentoring takes place over 10 online sessions, tailored to your neurotype, your role and your goals.
Is this right for me?
Managing on the Spectrum supports neurodivergent professionals who are:
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Autistic (including late-diagnosed)
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Living with ADHD
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Dyslexic or dyspraxic
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Multiply neurodivergent
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Awaiting or without a formal diagnosis but experiencing challenges at work
Whether you are struggling to stay in a role you love, navigating a new job, preparing for a promotion, or simply trying to understand yourself better at work, this mentoring is designed for you
About Dan
Dan is a late-diagnosed autistic professional with a career spanning nursing, social work, and senior leadership in both the NHS and local government. He is a qualified learning disabilities nurse, a qualified social worker (1st Class Honours), and holds an MBA (Distinction) and Senior Leadership Apprenticeship (Distinction). He is also a qualified neurodiversity coach.
Dan understands the workplace from both sides as someone who has managed teams and led organisations, and as someone who navigated years of undiagnosed neurodivergence in demanding professional roles. That combination of professional expertise and lived experience is at the heart of everything Managing on the Spectrum does.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diagnosis to apply for Access to Work?
Not necessarily. You need to be able to demonstrate that you have a condition that has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to work. Many people apply and are approved without a formal diagnosis.
How long does it take to get Access to Work approved?
Processing times can vary. As of 2025/26, there are waiting times of several weeks to a few months for some applications. It is worth applying as early as possible, and before you incur any costs funding is only valid from the date you apply.
Who pays the invoices?
f you are employed, your employer pays our invoices and then claims the cost back from Access to Work. If you are self-employed, you pay and claim back directly. Either way, the coaching costs you nothing out of pocket.
Can I choose my own coach?
Yes. Access to Work lets you name your preferred provider. Simply name Managing on the Spectrum when you apply or during your assessment.
What if my employer has not heard of Access to Work?
That is very common. Dan is happy to provide information and support to help your employer understand the scheme and their role in it. Get in touch and we can help.
I'm worried about telling my employer I'm neurodivergent. Do I have to?
Access to Work is applied for by you, not your employer. However, your employer will need to be involved in the invoicing and claim process, so some degree of disclosure is usually necessary. Many people find that initiating an Access to Work conversation is a helpful way to open up a broader discussion with their employer. Dan can support you with this as part of your mentoring.
Ready to get started?
Book a free 30-minute discovery call to find out whether Access to Work funding could support you, and whether mentoring with Managing on the Spectrum is right for you.
Or email Dan directly: info@managingonthespectrum.co.uk