Celebrating Autism Awareness Day - 2nd April

Today we acknowledge World Autism awareness day which is a day sanctioned by the United Nations and recognises and celebrates the rights of people on the autism spectrum.

In the realm of employment, autistic individuals often face unique challenges that can significantly impact their professional lives. From communication difficulties to sensory sensitivities, the workplace environment can present various hurdles. However, with the right strategies and accommodations, autistic individuals can thrive in their careers.

Recently, we had a client, who had one of our employees working casually on their site.? He knew that our employee was on the autistic spectrum and reached out to our team to learn more about how to support the employee to provide him with the best possible chance of thriving in the role.

Our client shared that they had a child who was on the autistic spectrum, so understood the challenges that all parents can feel about their child getting the right support in the workplace.

Donna Hampshire , General Manager of Client services at Diplomatik, and mum to Dylan, 21 who is ASD Level 2 valued the discussion about how to provide the best employee engagement for those on the spectrum.

“When Dylan got his first job, the worry and fear that I had that his employer wouldn’t understand him or be able to acknowledge that he may not handle a situation in a way that society expects, provided high level of anxiety at a time when we should have been celebrating his employment.? Dylan did work for a company where there wasn’t a level of understanding, which resulted in him having to find other employment.? He has a job now where his manager understands what makes him tick, but also doesn’t react if Dylan behaves in way which is different than the other employees’.

There are many challenges for employees who are in the spectrum which can include:

1.??? Social Interactions: Navigating office politics, team dynamics, and networking events can be daunting for autistic individuals who may struggle with social cues, small talk, and nonverbal communication.

2.??? Sensory Overload: The sensory-rich environment of a workplace, including bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces, can overwhelm individuals with sensory sensitivities, leading to stress and anxiety.

3.??? Executive Functioning: Difficulties with organization, time management, and prioritization can hinder productivity and performance, making it challenging to meet deadlines and fulfill job responsibilities effectively.

4.??? Flexibility and Change: Sudden changes in routine, unexpected tasks, or shifting priorities can be disruptive for autistic individuals who thrive on predictability and structure, leading to increased stress and difficulty adapting.

There are however ways in which employees can support their employees on the Autistic Spectrum which can include:

1.??? Open Communication: Advocate for clear and direct communication with supervisors and colleagues about your needs, preferences, and challenges. This can help foster understanding and create a supportive work environment.

2.??? Sensory Management: Identify sensory triggers in the workplace and implement strategies to mitigate their impact, such as using noise-cancelling headphones, adjusting lighting, or creating a designated quiet space for breaks.

3.??? Visual Supports: Utilize visual aids, such as calendars, schedules, and checklists, to enhance organization, time management, and task prioritization. Visual supports can provide clarity and structure, reducing anxiety and improving productivity.

4.??? Routine and Predictability: Establish routines and rituals within your workday to create a sense of stability and predictability. Communicate any need for advance notice or gradual transitions when changes are unavoidable.

5.??? Utilize Strengths: Leverage your unique strengths and interests to excel in your role. Whether it's attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, or a passion for specific tasks, focus on areas where you shine and contribute value to the team.

6.??? Seek Accommodations: Don't hesitate to request reasonable accommodations that align with your needs and support your success in the workplace. This could include flexible scheduling, remote work options, or adjustments to workspace layout.

?No two Autistic people are the same and autism may not be what you think it – to learn more about supporting those in your workplace with autism, or to learn more, visit https://www.autismawareness.com.au/