Benefits

Autistic individuals can have various benefits for employers. It is difficult to generalise the benefits of autism in the work place given that all employees with autism will be different (just as all employees without autism are different) but some employers with experience of autism in the work place report that:

• Autistic employees are good analysts often spotting patterns that are invisible to others, making them attractive employees for software firms.
• Autistic employees often have an extraordinary capacity to focus on one area and an eye for detail that make them effective workers especially at jobs that require precision.
• Their desire for routine and dislike of change make them loyal.
• Autistic employees can inject different perspectives in the work place. Different and diverse perspectives can help organisations avoid risks created from group think and help with decision making.

Supporting autism in the work place

Hiring

Traditional hiring practises may not be fair to individuals on the spectrum. Things you may want to consider include:

• The use of written application processes and applied tests instead of interviews. Potential employees with autism may not interview well for example not making eye contact or taking questions too literally so tests may be a better way of testing aptitude.
• If you use interviews you could:
• Give as much information to interviewees in advance including on the timing of the interview, location and who will be on the panel. If possible give them pictures of all the interviewers.
• Offer the interviewee a visit to the building and room where the interview will be happening in advance, so they can become comfortable with the location.
• On the day of the interview you may invite the interviewee to arrive early and give them as much information about the questions in advance, with suggested time limits, so they can order their thoughts.
• Alert the panel to any sensory needs such as avoidance of eye contact or aversion to bright lights.

Adjustments at work

Employers with autistic employees may need to make some reasonable adjustments to ensure that their employees can perform as productively as possible. As all individuals on the spectrum have individual needs, employers should have detailed conversations with individuals on their needs. Things that you may want to consider include:

• Training for the team to make them aware of autism and how they can support and benefit from autistic colleagues in the workplace. If you would like Our Small Wonders to support team conversations please contact us.
• Discussing sensory needs and making reasonable adjustments for example allowing autistic employees to use headphones to minimise noise and or blinds to avoid bright lights. You may think of giving the employee private space to work in and where this is not possible quiet space they can use during the day to take occasional breaks.
• Work organisation: employees with autism will benefit from clearly set out objectives, work plans, clear instructions and feedback.

Do you have any experience of autism in the work place? If so we would love to hear from you.