Navigating Workplace Accommodations for Autistic Employees

ID: A self portrait painting of the experience of autistic masking. painted by Jeff Baker

Recently I saw a tiktok featuring an autistic woman asking the 15% of working autistics (studies show only 15-30% of autistic adults are able to hold any kind of employment) how they did it. How were they able to manage their autism in such a way that allowed them to work? The overwhelming response was, “We don’t.” Person after person responded saying they are barely holding it together. I myself am constantly feeling like I am on the edge of burnout and often find myself asking how long can I keep this up?

For autistic employees, the workplace can be a challenging and overwhelming environment. The sensory and social demands of the office, combined with the pressure to perform, can lead to significant stress and burnout. However, with the right accommodations in place, autistic individuals can thrive in the workplace and bring valuable skills and perspectives to their jobs.

Here are some tips for navigating workplace accommodations for autistic employees:

1. Know your rights: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (or the Accessible Canada Act if you’re a Canuck like me), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including autistic employees. These accommodations can include modifications to the work environment, such as noise-cancelling headphones or a private workspace, as well as changes to job duties or schedules.

2. Communicate your needs: It's important to communicate your needs to your employer or HR department. This can be challenging for some autistic individuals who may struggle with verbal communication or social interactions. However, there are alternative communication methods, such as email or written notes, that can help you express your needs and preferences.

3. Advocate for yourself: In some cases, employers may not be familiar with autism or the accommodations that can support autistic employees. As an autistic employee, it's important to educate your employer on your needs and advocate for the accommodations that will help you succeed at your job. That being said, the burden of education should not rest on the marginalized person! Educate when you can, but it is your employers responsibility to ultimately find the information they need to accommodate you properly.

4. Seek out support: It can be helpful to connect with other autistic individuals in the workplace or seek out support from disability advocacy groups. These communities can provide valuable resources and advice on navigating workplace accommodations.

5. Don't be afraid to ask for adjustments: It's important to remember that accommodations can be adjusted and modified as needed. If you find that an accommodation isn't working or you need additional support, don't hesitate to ask for adjustments or alternatives.

Navigating workplace accommodations can be challenging for autistic employees, but with the right support and resources, it's possible to create a successful and inclusive work environment. By advocating for your needs and communicating openly with your employer, you can ensure that you have the accommodations you need to thrive in the workplace.

Sources:

• The Job Accommodation Network: https://askjan.org/disabilities/Autism-Spectrum.cfm

• National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism-spectrum-disorder/index.shtml