5 Ways to Create an Autism Friendly Work Environment

Autism is a complex developmental condition that affects social, sensory, and communication experience, and it may manifest differently in men and in women. Autism is a “spectrum” with many dimensions, and the specifics of navigating the world as an autistic individual are different for everyone.

People with autism make valuable employees because of the many strengths they possess including high attention to detail, strong ability to concentrate, creative thinking skills, and sticking with jobs once hired.

How Can Employers Support Employees with Autism?

There are a wide variety of ways that employers can support employees with autism. Here are five ways to help create an autism-friendly work environment.

1. Provide Clear Directions

   It’s important to provide employees with autism with clear, succinct directions and guidelines for performing their job. Employers should thoroughly explain what is expected of them and also explain the unwritten rules of the office. It can be helpful to provide written instructions for employees with autism so they have something to reference later if necessary.

2. Educate and Train Other Employees

   It is very important that all employees understand what autism is and how best to interact and communicate with people with autism. Sensitivity training can help the entire team understand how to work together and deal with potential miscommunications. Employers can also create a training document for other staff that explains how they can best support and work with the person with autism.

3. Provide Consistent, Constructive Feedback

   Consistent performance evaluations are key to the improvement and success of any employee. However, they’re especially important for people with autism. Employers should hold frequent, short reviews where they provide respectful and direct feedback on how the individual is doing. It’s important to thoroughly explain what the person with autism is doing wrong, ensure they understand the problem, and direct instructions on ways to improve. Above all, employers should highlight the person’s knowledge and skill set and treat them as an asset to grow and retain, just like any other employee.

4. Bring in Outside Support

   There are a variety of autism employment support services available for employees and their employers. Most states have vocational services for people with disabilities that can make the process of finding and maintaining a job much easier. These services include providing on-site job coaches who can mentor and monitor the employee. Job coaches can also provide ancillary employment support, such as finding transportation if the person doesn’t drive.

5. Provide Reasonable Accommodations

   One of the best ways employers can support employees with autism is by providing accommodations. These include (but aren’t limited to) the following:

• Turning off or dimming overhead lights if light sensitivity is an issue.

• Avoiding eye contact if this makes the person with autism uncomfortable.

• Respecting personal space and using verbal praise to show kindness, instead of touch.

• Holding one-to-one meetings with the person to reduce social clutter and distraction.

• Allowing the individual to follow their own regimented schedule to reduce their anxiety.

• Providing information about changes in tasks or the workplace well in advance.

• Providing noise-reducing headphones if noise sensitivity is an issue.

There is Hope For You

The impact of an ASD diagnosis and treatment is individual. Approach it with realistic expectations and seek professional guidance throughout the process. However, for many, it can be a key that unlocks a deeper understanding of yourself, empowers you to take control of your life, and helps you discover the fulfilling path of acceptance and belonging.

Here at the Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in ASD Evaluations and ASD Treatment. We have locations in New York and New Jersey and perform thorough and professional ASD testing and therapy in-person and virtually. If you are newly diagnosed with ASD or interested in getting a diagnosis in New York, New Jersey, or virtually please contact us to see how we can help you improve your life.