"They don't think I can manage a workplace with having additional needs" - Dominique Maasdam

This week I spoke to Dominique Maasdam, a 19 year-old from Grimsby living with autism.

Dominique is currently an unemployed jobseeker; previously being fired from her job as a waitress after a new manager believed her condition meant she wouldn't be "capable" of fulfilling the role.

She said: "My new manager didn't like the fact that I have autism; she didn't want any employees with additional needs working for her.

"She didn't think we could manage."

Dominique has been looking for work for around a year, working with her local Jobcentre and attending multiple interviews during that time.

Despite being noted by employers for her strong interview performances, her pursuit of a career remains unsuccessful due to concerns around her ability.

Speaking on her experience of disclosing her condition to employers, Dominique said: "I like to say straight away. I like them to know.

"They (interviewers) kind of act a little bit annoyed. They always say you don't look like it, which I find really annoying because not all disabilities are visible."

You can hear more from Dominique in the snippet below.

For more information on the documentary, keep an eye on the Changing the Spectrum blog page.

More to follow.