Accommodating Autistic People

Historically speaking, the needs of people on the autistic spectrum in social and occupational contexts have been prone to misunderstanding and often, disregard. Since society at large is still catching up to recognising how common this hidden disability is, while also trying to navigate the endless changes and new terms coined for this condition (Asperger’s syndrome, for instance, was reclassified as autism spectrum disorder in 2013), it is important to recognise that autism does not have defining characteristics, quirks or traits and is in fact, a condition that exists on a spectrum.

But as an autistic person myself, I feel qualified to offer some introductory insight into accommodating the needs of autistic people in workplaces, social gatherings, and other environments based on my first-hand perspective.

Group Interactions

As a rule, large groups can be over-stimulating and overwhelming to be in for those on the autistic spectrum. Personally, I prefer one-to-one interaction, due to the frequency of social nuances I need to decipher in large groups. Although reading situations like these come naturally to most of us, it can be a lot to compute for autistic people, in addition to finding the “right words” to say in these situations. For some, words can be non-native to their personal mode of thinking. Although not the case with every autistic person out there, I can also sometimes misinterpret jokes, particularly when irony is involved.

Being a medium sized company, Direct Access has managed to accommodate my preference for small group interaction, which provides better options for my meaningful participation. For this reason, when it comes to the workplace, I would recommend asking colleagues on the autism spectrum what their preference is if it can be accommodated.

Agendas

Providing agendas and materials in advance can go a long way when it comes to accommodating those with autism in a work environment. At Direct Access, we do our best not to change agendas on the fly and give our autistic employees notice when it comes to their work. Although we must stress again that this is not a rule (and based on my own preference), autistic people generally prefer to prepare for things in advance and appreciate a solid structure and routine to their work schedule.

Sensory Requirements

Autistic people are known to have more sensitive, well, senses! Particularly when it comes to sound and light sensitivity. Due to Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), many autistic people report difficulty understanding auditory information, particularly around loud noises. Therefore in the workplace and social settings alike, it is crucial to hold conferences, exhibitions parties, etc. in environments where foreground and background noise are separated. This issue extends beyond autistic people, as it also poses issues for blind and/or deaf people ,who are also autistic. Keeping doors shut and avoiding flowing water can be helpful to autistic people, as well as providing areas where they can retreat from the noise. If this cannot be accommodated, offering disposable earplugs can be a useful alternative.

As well as noise, many other elements of the built environment might also prove intrusive to autistic people, such as light. Using non-fluorescent lighting can prove useful to autistic people who might otherwise be overstimulated. Natural lighting is always best, however, in situations where this is not possible, non-fluorescent lighting must be avoided as it can cause issues with balance, dizziness, and even communication. I actually also have epilepsy, as many autistic people do. Therefore, being mindful of flash photography is another factor that should be taken into consideration in social environments such as weddings, parties, and corporate events.

Social Signposts

There are a variety of items that can be used to signify someone having autism in public settings, although there is not a universally accepted and ‘official’ garment, bracelet, or ribbon. The National Autistic Society, for instance, offers a wristband to show support for autistic causes which can be purchased and worn by anyone. The one I most recommend, however, is the Sunflower Lanyard or Hidden Disabilities wristband/card, which is a discreet way to indicate a hidden disability to those in public or private settings who might be unaware. An organisation might choose to offer this signifier to an autistic staff member if they find themselves in a new environment. Some autistic people might choose to avoid this, but providing the option to wear a bracelet or ribbon to an autistic colleague or friend shows consideration for their disability in a way that most would not think to consider.

Language

Preferred styles of communication vary from person to person, and this applies to an autistic person. Personally, I prefer to be given information using semantic and pragmatic language, and in the work environment, we recommend an autistic staff member be asked directly about their preference. This applies also to the way communication takes place, in addition to the language. Some autistic people prefer taking instructions or engaging in social interactions via text message as it can be less overstimulating. However, I generally prefer to conduct online meetings where I can hear the other person’s voice.  For some, this can trigger anxiety, and research shows that autistic people are four times more likely to have this condition than a neurotypical person. So again, it is important to find out the individual preferences of someone with autism and not jump immediately to conclusions.

Finally, it is important to note that the wider Autistic community prefers to be referred to as Autistic, in much the same way the Blind and Deaf communities prefer to be referred to as Blind or Deaf. In as much as hearing impaired and visually impaired are often offensive to the Blind and Deaf communities. Referring to an Autistic person as a person with autism is often offensive within my community. So, however you celebrate Autism Awareness Day, always consider an autistic person’s individual preference and remember that every individual’s experience of autism is different from the last!

Written by Michael Miller