Understanding a Neurotypical Workplace: A Guide for Autistic Employees

By Dr. Michelle Garnett and Professor Tony Attwood.

Entering a new workplace can be a daunting experience for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for autistic people. Navigating the complexities of social interactions, understanding unspoken rules, and adapting to the dynamic nature of a neurotypical workplace requires awareness and strategies. This guide aims to help autistic employees better understand and thrive in a neurotypical work environment.

1. Understanding Workplace Norms and Culture

Every workplace has its unique culture and norms, which are often unspoken and can be difficult to decipher. Here are some strategies to understand and adapt to these norms:

Observation: Spend time observing how colleagues interact with each other. Notice patterns in behaviour, communication styles, and etiquette.
Ask Questions: It takes time to understand the culture of a new workplace. Don’t hesitate to ask a colleague or supervisor about specific expectations and norms. Phrasing questions like, “Can you help me understand how things are usually done here?” can be very effective. Choose people to ask who appear kind, i.e. you notice that they tend not say nasty things about people behind their backs.
Written Resources: Many companies have employee handbooks or guides that outline workplace policies and expectations. Request access to these resources. When you notice discrepancies between policies and what actually happens, ask about it.

2. Communication Strategies

Effective communication is crucial in any workplace. Here’s how to navigate this:

Clarify Expectations: When given a task, ask for clear instructions and deadlines. Rephrasing what you’ve been asked to do can ensure that you’ve understood correctly. If remembering auditory lists is challenging, ask if you can record the instructions as they are said.
Preferred Communication Methods: Discuss with your colleagues and supervisors about your preferred communication methods. For instance, you might find written instructions easier to follow than verbal ones.
Non-Verbal Cues: Neurotypical workplaces often rely on non-verbal cues. Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to ask for clarification.

3. Managing Sensory Sensitivities

Many autistic individuals have sensory sensitivities that can make certain work environments challenging. Here are some strategies:

Workspace Adjustments: Request adjustments to your workspace to reduce sensory overload. This might include noise-cancelling headphones, a quiet room, or specific lighting conditions.
Breaks: Take regular breaks to manage sensory overload. Short, frequent breaks can be more effective than longer, less frequent ones.
Communicate Needs: Clearly communicate your sensory needs to your supervisor. Most employers are willing to make reasonable accommodations once they understand your needs.

4. Building Relationships

Building professional relationships is key to career growth. Here’s how to approach this:

Find Common Ground: Look for shared interests with your colleagues. This can be a good starting point for conversations.
Incidental versus Scheduled Social Interactions: Scheduled social interactions that can be planned for and time-limited may be less stressful than spontaneous interactions. You may be able to organise one-on-one social times, instead of group. If it will help you to keep up your energy, also plan for solitude during your breaks. Some neurotypicals may not understand the need for solitude but explaining it to them can help, as in, “I like socialising, but I also need time on my own to recharge my batteries.”
Professional Boundaries: Understand and respect professional boundaries. It’s important to be friendly and approachable, but also to maintain a level of professionalism.

5. Self-Advocacy and Support

Being your own advocate is essential for navigating a neurotypical workplace:

Know Your Rights: Understand your rights under workplace laws and regulations. In many places, you are entitled to reasonable accommodations.
Seek Support: Connect with support groups or networks, either within the workplace or externally. They can offer advice and share experiences.
Continuous Learning: Engage in continuous learning about workplace dynamics and self-advocacy. There are many resources and training programs available that can help.

6. Managing Stress and Mental Health

Workplace stress can be more pronounced for autistic individuals. Here’s how to manage it:

Routine and Structure: Establish a routine that provides structure to your day. Predictability can significantly reduce stress. As much as possible plan for the transport to and from work to be stress-free or ask for flexible hours so that you can work from home sometimes if possible.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation can help manage anxiety and stress. It is worth learning these practices.
Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. A therapist or counsellor can provide strategies tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

Understanding a neurotypical workplace as an autistic employee involves a combination of observation, communication, and self-advocacy. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the complexities of your work environment more effectively. Remember, every workplace is different, and it’s important to find what works best for you. With the right support and adjustments, you can thrive and make significant contributions to your workplace.

Where to from here?

We have prepared a half-day training on autism, Autism Working, for employers, autistic and non-autistic employees, autistic people looking for work, and parents and family members. We will be discussing the advantages of autism in the workplace, common challenges, and ways to navigate the challenges successfully.