Having a job is at least as important for people with autism as it is for other people. Fortunately, more and more employers are open to hiring these people. That is not surprising if you know how much people with autism have to offer the business community. Here are some tips to monitor and increase your company’s autism-friendliness. This list is definitely incomplete. After all, no two people are the same, even if they both have autism.
General
- Designate a permanent contact person for your employee.
- Always use clear, concrete language, both in spoken and written communication.
- Avoid figurative language and abstract expressions.
- Ensure regularity and a fixed rhythm in the workplace.
- Provide a tidy and structured environment.
Function
- Provide a clearly defined range of tasks. Preferably put it clearly on paper.
- Determine the order and priorities of the tasks.
- Provide a step-by-step plan or a task analysis for each task.
- Discuss changes in the range of tasks in advance and provide sufficient explanation.
Social
- Teach yourself to communicate clearly and concretely. Avoid figurative language and puns, especially for the first time.
- Provide clarity in relationships and positions, clearly explain who does what in the company.
- Explain where, when and to whom questions can be asked.
- Introduce new colleagues and interns explicitly, and also explain what their position is.
- Clearly communicate the absence of important contact persons (e.g. due to illness or leave). For example, hang a list on the notice board or another permanent place.
- Discuss fixed habits that occur in the company, such as greetings, habits during breaks and the like.
- Allow sufficient time to process information and regularly ask if everything is clear and if there are any questions. Give time to understand and respond, don’t speak too quickly.
- Clearly announce exceptions. Think of course days, discussions or parties. Explain what to expect in lieu of the usual workday.
- Inform colleagues (where necessary) about autism and these tips.
Incentives
- Make the workspace visually simple and clear.
- Pay attention to stimuli such as a radio that is too loud, a lamp that flashes, colleagues who talk in an annoying way or noise from the workplace. Limit disruptive conditions where possible.
- Provide a quiet place to take breaks.
- Hang a clock in a clearly visible place.
Keep talking
No list can replace communicating with your employee. Therefore, ask your employee in clear language how he or she experiences things and what can be changed or improved. State as many things explicitly as possible. For example, say:
- I’m going to shake your hand as a farewell.
- I’ll walk you to the door.
- There is Mieke, she provides us with the coffee.
- I will answer the phone first, then we will talk further.
This may take some getting used to, but it creates clarity and overview for both parties. People with autism can become unnerved by unexpected or unusual events. It is not always clear to outsiders what exactly caused the problem. Prevention is therefore better than cure. review