Employers must do more to support people with Asperger’s syndrome, a young woman has said.

Shelley Corrigan, a 28-year-old with a first class honours bio-medical engineering degree, found that stepping out of education and into the workplace proved more of a challenge than expected.

She suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, a type of autism which makes social communication difficult. She says she gets anxious and shy and has problems communicating in stressful situations.

“I always found the interview process difficult. While everything looks good on paper and on your CV when I was going through an interview I struggled because I couldn’t get the words out,” she said.

She is just one of many graduates who were forced to seek help from not-for-profit recruitment and training consultancy Specialisterne.

The organisation works alongside employers and employees to help break down barriers associated with autism.

Jonny Mcbride, an adviser at Specialisterne, said: “We advise employers about the difficulties around making eye contact, communication skills and just dealing with lots of people in a workplace.

“It’s very important that both parties understand each other because we want to make sure that the relationship works for both.”

After consulting with Specialisterne, Shelley has now found a job at a software development company, but she says more people with autism need support from similar organisations.

“Everyone is a lot more accommodating to my needs. As a result of getting the job, I feel valued, independent and I now socialise. It’s great, I love working here,” she said.

“I am really happy because I have found a job that I love. I meet and socialise with lovely people. Before, I felt trapped. I am even running marathons now.”