If you’re autistic and working, sometimes you have to choose if you want to talk about your autism. This can be a careful choice, but sometimes you have to tell because of a misunderstanding or a problem at work, or even when applying for a job. For some autistic people, it’s something they want to share themselves. For others, it’s because the workplace isn’t good for people who think differently.
It’s not just up to the autistic person to talk about this. Everyone at work, like the boss and co-workers, should help. The boss should make a place where everyone can be themselves and where differences are actually good. Co-workers should be open to everyone and have respect for everyone who thinks differently.
Sometimes autistic people are afraid to talk about their autism because they worry others will find them strange or won’t understand. It’s important that the boss and co-workers help to take away this fear.
Some people think that the way we talk about autism can help. The words we use can help us understand each other better. But some autistic people say this makes the problem too simple. It’s not just about words. We also need to really change things at work and how everyone treats autistic people.
Autistic people often think their own feelings, how co-workers react, and how things are at work are important to decide if they talk about their autism. Sometimes this is a hard choice.
It’s different at each workplace how well they understand and help autistic people. Even at places that are good for autistic people, there can still be problems. We shouldn’t just say some places are better than others. We should ask why some places aren’t good and what we can do to change this.
There are not many good ways to help autistic people at work yet. It’s very important that this gets better. Autistic people often say they have to fight to be recognized at work.
Good help at work can make autistic people work better and feel better. Their stories show how important it is for co-workers and the boss to treat autistic people well.
Not enough is said about how hard it is for autistic people to talk about their autism at work. Some say it’s not just about how things are at work, but also about having to always defend your place in a world that doesn’t always understand or accept you as you are.
It can be nice when they talk about their autism, but it can also be difficult. They can feel alone, or they have to keep explaining what autism is. Sometimes co-workers then look at them differently. They worry about keeping their job and if they can still advance.
A place where everyone treats each other well is very important and helps everyone. If the boss makes sure the work is good for everyone, then everyone will work better. But we need to do more than just talk. We need to really make changes. We need to plan together and change things, like flexible working hours, a quiet workplace, clear talks, training for everyone, help with technology, and adjusting the work.
It’s not easy for autistic people to talk about their autism at work. If we understand this and find good ways to help, we can make sure everyone feels valued at work. A good workplace is more than just being nice. We need to really do something and be willing to change.
The European Autist 