What Your Autistic Work Colleague Needs From You

Regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, age and neurodiversity, everyone deserves to be a part of an inclusive workplace and belong to a professional industry which simply sees them as a human being who has as much to give as everyone else. But unfortunately, not everyone has this, and that is something that needs to change. And this goes for everyone – the directors, the managers, the executives and the middle-of-the-road people. Inclusion is something we’re all responsible for.

Contrary to popular belief (unfortunately), the autistic person in the workplace has a lot to offer, and with a little bit of help from their colleagues, and a few minor adjustments, they have the potential to provide enormous value to the organization they work for, as well as to the lives of people around them. Here are a few things your autistic work colleague needs you to do.

Understand and Accept That No Two Autistic Individuals are the same

There’s a reason why the autism spectrum is call a spectrum. It’s not a linear line of severity of symptoms. It’s more like a wheel of color with each color signifying an autistic trait. Who we are, our personalities, and our nature is made up of a huge spectrum of building blocks, and no two people have exactly the same set of building blocks – regardless of whether they’re autistic or not. So what you should always remember is: if you know one autistic person – you know ONE autistic person. Nothing more.

Look Past the Stereotypes and the Assumptions

If you come across an autistic person who can communicate verbally with confidence, don’t think that they’re not very autistic or that they’re condition is “mild”. That’s not only insulting to the person in question, but it’s also insulting to the condition as a whole. While being curious and trying to understand is not a crime isn’t it better to just ask instead of assuming what it means to be autistic?

Don’t Impose Limitations on Them and Help Them Maximize their Strengths

It’s important to understand that autistic people are not any less intelligent than neurotypical people. The difference is that they just think and perceive things a little differently. In fact, some autistic individuals have sharp analytical minds and extremely high IQs. However, their autistic traits may include either needing detailed instructions to work or being direct and frank. Instead of branding these traits as “an inability to work independently” or “poor interpersonal communication skills”, try talking to them and understanding what it actually means and what they need. Their needs are actually quite insignificant once you realize what you’re getting back by helping them to be the best they can be.

If you want to hire a motivational speaker to spread autism awareness and promote inclusion in your workplace, who’s better than someone who’s struggled with the condition their whole lives? One of the most in-demand motivational speakers and autism advocates of their generation, Louis Scarantino has devoted his life to fighting the stigma that surrounds autism and mental health issues. Get in touch with his representatives today if you want more information on his keynote speaker services or want to book him for your next event.