While navigating the workplace can hold many opportunities for growth, success, and fulfillment for adults with autism, it can also present a unique set of new challenges to overcome. The workplace can play host to situations that may trigger sensory overload, make it difficult to find effective communication strategies, and affect your confidence in your ability to work successfully. Luckily, there are many strategies and tools you can use to help make your work environment the best it can be for your unique needs and goals. To help you work confidently while embracing your neurodiversity, here are our top tips to help adults with autism navigate the workplace—
Communicate Your Needs
Being an adult with autism in the workplace can feel like a difficult challenge for many, but a great way to combat this and make your environment more comfortable and supportive is to express your needs outright. Would you benefit best from a quiet workspace? Specific communication formats? Maybe a hybrid work schedule or flexible hours? Whatever would help you perform, it is important that you communicate this to your supervisor or HR in order to get the best possible workplace accommodations for your needs.
Find or Create structure
Many adults with autism can find the workplace to be an overwhelming place, especially if tasks are not regular or there is not a particular routine for your work. If this is the case for you, try creating your own structure within your schedule. Add small things to your day, such as taking your breaks at the same times each day, establishing regular check-ins with supervisors if necessary, and setting checkpoint deadlines for yourself.
Focus on Your Strengths
Feeling successful and fulfilled with your work is a very important thing, and one of the best ways to do this is to focus on and use your strengths whenever you can. Specific features such as attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and thinking outside the box are just some of the many, many things adults with autism can bring to their positions. It is important to share your strengths with your supervisor and team so that you have the opportunity to use them when needed most.
Practice Self-Advocacy
For adults with autism in the workplace, it is extremely important to practice self-advocacy. Speaking up for your needs is essential for workplace success and wellbeing. If you feel that you are encountering challenges, need more/other accommodations, or even being discriminated against on account of your autism, do not hesitate to make your voice heard and ask for support. Your wellness in all of its forms matters deeply, and it is vital that you extend this kind of thinking to the workplace.
Being a part of the workforce can feel daunting and difficult as an individual with autism, but employing these tips and other helpful information you have learned along the way can help make sure you have all the tools you need to succeed and thrive in your job. Delta Center is proud to be able to provide you with resources for your professional success, whether it is helping to find the right job for you, working with you on developing your career, securing workplace accommodations, or providing you with the coaching you need to be a confident self advocate in your position. Our resources are extensive, and all you need to do to get started is contact us. We are here to help!