A BARRHEAD woman has tapped into the power of social media in a bid to find work for her autistic brother.

Yasmin Interlandi took to Facebook to ask for help because her 24-year-old sibling, Connor McKeag, struggles to find a job.

And she was overwhelmed by the response, with job offers flooding in for Connor, who lives in Newton Mearns.

Yasmin, 26, told the News: “Connor attended Isobel Mair School in Newton Mearns until he was 18 and then he went to college to continue the development of his life skills.

“What we've found is that it's not that there aren’t opportunities out there for young adults with disabilities, it's an extreme lack of awareness of the opportunities. In the last few years, my mum has found it extremely difficult to secure him a long-term job or volunteer opportunity.

“Resource centres are full to capacity, leaving young adults like Connor isolated from their peers.

“Connor wants to do something he is passionate about. He loves animals, so anything involving dogs would be a bonus.

“He has had some work experience at a radio station, which he loved, but it wasn’t a long-term placement unfortunately. We've found this is quite a common issue, he worked at Waitrose in Newton Mearns for a year while he was at school, then at the Bank Cafe in Neilston for a year after he finished school, but again these didn't last as long as we would have liked as most establishments only offer a year contract.

"I have friends who have sibilings in the same situation, and this is definitely a much broader issue that goes beyond Connor. They are surrounded by a great support system until they hit 18 and after they leave school, it can be incredibly difficult for some individuals and their families to create stability and routine for them."

Yasmin moved to New York 18 months ago, where she has been “blown away” by the opportunities for adults with autism.

“Almost every store and establishment partakes, which is refreshing,” she said.

"Everyone deserves a chance, and my mum and I thank the people of Scotland for spreading our message far and wide."

Yasmin’s post has had 500 shares, with many people suggesting career options for Connor.

“The intent to help is absolutely there,” Yasmin added.

"It's just raising awareness around who needs that help that is the challenge I think. So we are hoping that this platform we've now been giving, not only helps Connor, but other young adults in his situation."