How to Create Autism-Friendly Workplaces

By raluca.olariu@…, 22 July, 2022
open space workplace

As more and more companies realize the importance of supporting the needs of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), they're beginning to prioritize creating an ASD-friendly workplace.

This realization comes from an increasing awareness of the need to provide people with autism spectrum disorder with opportunities for employment, as well as an increase in understanding of how ASD affects employee productivity, creativity, and job performance.

According to the Autism Society of America, employers who have adopted inclusive practices report higher employee satisfaction, reduced turnover rates, and improved recruiting and retention strategies.

Hiring neurodiverse individuals has many benefits

There are many reasons why it is so important to hire neurodivergent people:

  • Autistic individuals are often very intelligent and can be highly effective at problem-solving because they tend to process information in different ways than most people. They may see things from multiple perspectives, which helps them solve complicated issues.
  • Creativity is an important skill for everyone. Neurodiverse individuals are able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. This ability to think outside the box is especially beneficial when dealing with new challenges or situations. Creativity is also important in solving problems. When faced with a challenge, neurodiverse individuals are able to come up with unique ways to solve the problem.
  • People with autism tend to focus on details rather than the big picture. They may miss out on opportunities because they aren’t always aware of what’s happening around them. However, their ability to solve problems makes them great problem solvers.
  • Autistic individuals are often highly motivated and focused, and they will do anything to achieve their goals. As a result, autistic people are usually willing to put extra effort into meeting deadlines, even if they do not feel like doing so.
  • Autistic individuals are very empathetic, and they tend to understand others' feelings better than others might realize. Because of that, they are often perceived as being too friendly or too familiar. In reality, those behaviors are simply a way to show empathy.
  •  Hiring an autistic individual can help your company because they will bring a unique perspective to the table. These individuals may come up with innovative solutions to problems you didn't even realize existed. They may also help your team brainstorm and develop new ways to think about old problems.
  • Autistic people tend to be less judgmentally inclined, and they are less prone to making snap judgments based on appearances, so they are often viewed as trustworthy and dependably reliable.

Employers can increase their autism awareness by providing training for employees

According to NAMI, there are several steps companies can take to improve autism awareness. These include creating a culture of acceptance, providing accommodations, developing an effective communication plan, and implementing a company policy.

  • Train managers and supervisors.
  • Make sure your company has clear policies regarding accommodations and support for employees with disabilities.
  • Provide resources for employees who have autism.
  • Create an environment where people feel comfortable talking about their experiences.
  • Encourage open communication among managers and employees.
  • Employees should be trained to recognize signs of stress and sensory overwhelm in themselves and others.

An autism-friendly workplace may look different for each company

To be suitable for people with disabilities, an office environment must provide the following accommodations:

  • A quiet workspace where they can concentrate without interruptions.
  • Employees who need to read and listen to files while typing can access them through a computer with text-speech software.
  • A bathroom that has grab bars and a wide doorway.
  • A workspace that has enough room to be able to move around freely and take breaks.
  • Flexible schedules that allow employees to work at their preferred times.
  • A well-written communication plan that clearly outlines how the company communicates internally.
  • Tools and equipment are specially designed for autistic people.

Tips for creating an autism-friendly working environment

  • These tips will help you create a workplace that is friendly for people with autism. Make sure that your workplace is free from distractions such as noisy environments, bright lights, and crowded areas.
  • Use visual schedules instead of written ones so that people can follow what's happening during meetings or events.
  • Make sure there are plenty of opportunities for employees to ask questions and get clarification when needed.
  • Give your employees flexibility in their daily routine. You may be able to give them more time off or allow them to start later than normal.

Read more: What Jobs Are Suitable for Adults with Autism?

What are the best employers for people with autism?

Companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and many others are making great strides toward creating inclusive environments for all employees. These companies understand that autism is not a disability but an individual difference. They also recognize that neurotypical individuals benefit from working alongside those with autism.

Microsoft has a program called Microsoft Autism Hiring Program. It provides support for hiring qualified individuals with autism spectrum disorders. It also offers career development opportunities to employees who want to continue improving their skills and knowledge.

SAP offers a range of benefits for people with autism spectrum disorders, including flexible working arrangements, access to online tools and a dedicated team of specialists who provide support. SAP also provides a number of resources for autistic employees, including an online toolkit and a dedicated team of experts who can help with any questions or concerns.

Walgreen's has a number of programs designed to help its employees with disabilities. These include a disability resource center, an employee assistance program, and a job-training program.

IBM has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides resources and support to employees with disabilities. The EAP includes a number of services, including counseling, career development, financial planning, and wellness programs.

Autism and work FAQs

What challenges can autistic people face at work?

Autistic people face many challenges at work. They often have trouble understanding social cues and norms. This can make it difficult for them to interact with others and communicate well. Some autistic people also find it challenging to focus on a task when there are distractions around them. These challenges may make working harder for them. For example, some people with autism find it challenging to communicate effectively because they struggle to understand what other people mean when they talk about emotions and feelings. Others might be bothered or overwhelmed by background noise or feel confused or anxious when there are lots of people around.

What accommodations do people with autism need?

Your employer needs to provide you with a safe workplace. Your employer should also provide you with accommodations that will help you to do your job effectively. For example, if you need to sit down during the day, your employer may need to provide you with a chair that's good for your posture. Your employer should also consider providing you with a quiet place to work that doesn't trigger potential sensory issues.

How difficult is it for people with autism to find jobs?

Finding a good job is hard for everyone, but especially for those with autism. Only half of all people with ASD will ever hold down a job, while others will struggle to get hired for years before finally landing a position. There aren't enough jobs available for autistic people. The unemployment rate for people with autism is high. According to the U.S Department of Labor, only about 1 out of every 50 job openings is available to people with autism. Employers often don't know how best to hire someone with autism, and they may not understand the challenges of working with someone with autism. They may also think that hiring someone who has autism will mean spending more money on their salaries and benefits.

Conclusion

Employers often struggle to understand the needs and abilities of autistic employees. Some companies are beginning to make accommodations to help them succeed at work. For example, many companies offer flexible schedules and allow employees to work remotely. Others provide resources to help employees feel comfortable and successful at work.

Photo credit: Unsplash.