Autism in the workplace can have its share of rewards and pitfalls. As with anyone else, one on the spectrum has a lot to navigate when trying to find the right job fit. For some, the learning process may be pretty daunting.
What I Learned From 10 Years in the Workforce
I recently started a new job at a bank. Before that, I was a route driver, a customer service representative, a maintenance man, and a data specialist. All positions had their ups and downs, and, I confess, that many of these downs stemmed from my learning process.
In my schooling years, I had the luxury of special education classes and private tutors to assist me. Once in the real world, though, I had to leave those tools behind and find my own way. The workplace, in this case, has been a place of both tremendous victories and enormous grief. Every atmosphere is different, and for someone on the spectrum to be efficient, he/she needs just the right ingredients to fit in with the right job.
There are many strategies and ways to approach autism in the workplace. Insperity, HelpGuide, and the UDS Foundation offer a variety of things to consider when working with someone on the spectrum in a work-related environment.
In my case, I've decided to narrow down a few details to consider before one on the spectrum enters a given workplace. Once more, these are from my own experiences, and I understand that sometimes you must eat from the only hand that feeds you (i.e. be happy with whoever hires you in times like these).
Nevertheless, there are some takeaways from my ten years in the workforce out of college.
Find The Right Environment
"Don't think about it, Grady. Just do it."
This I heard, and still hear frequently, from co-workers when they notice my tendency to overanalyze things. Following their direction, I ended up making a mistake that required a step-by-step refresher from the same lousy co-worker. Clearly, more thought should have gone into it, but more often than not, I find myself in an environment where the pacing is just too fast for me to keep up.
Some on the spectrum may thrive in fast-paced environments, while others, such as myself, need things to be a tad bit slower and steadier.
Personally, I benefit from a calm environment, where the pacing is just enough for me to focus on my duties and never go idle. Banking, for instance, has proven to be a positive experience as an orderly and very by-the-book occupation. Mistakes are inevitable, and things certainly get crazy, but there's always a way to correct mistakes, and there's usually someone there to help me master the basics.
In this sense, the order and routine many on the spectrum crave are very present in this job.
One on the spectrum, like everyone else, must seek out an environment that lends itself to their focus and abilities. If one feels comfortable in an environment where one can get things done at just the right pace, they will fare quite well.
Those in a fast-paced setting may find an environment where the speed keeps them from losing focus on a task at hand, whereas those in a slow-paced setting may appreciate the time needed to work a task to perfection. With patience and awareness of one’s limitations, they might find the right environment where they grow and become vital assets to their team.
Find The Right Team
"It's common sense, Grady! I don't know why this is so hard for you!"
This sentence, spoken by a previous co-worker, was more than a red flag. I won't go into details, but our work relationship was one of several hang-ups in communication and routine.
The result, on my part, was failure. I moved on to something better shortly after this little choice of words on their part, but the sting stayed with me well into the next job.
Teamwork is essential for one on the spectrum to navigate an otherwise strange environment outside their comfort zone. Ultimately, one needs to be comfortable in an environment where one can ask questions repeatedly until the task at hand becomes muscle memory. Above all, they need to have an environment where teammates are forgiving of mistakes (at least for an appropriate amount of time) and are aware that the learning process is very different for their teammates on the spectrum.
Apart from my job as a bank teller, I also volunteer my time at my town's local zoo, where I once worked for four years. The staff there, my former co-workers, have always been willing to help me navigate through my duties, and have been more than supportive when I fall short of my goals. Everyone has their limits with one another, and they've certainly had theirs with mine, but ultimately, the bonds I've developed with them are strong enough to keep me coming back.
Once an individual on the spectrum finds just the right crew, they may very well wind up being the glue that holds it together (I actually had a boss in the past year describe me as such, and that was definitely a good day on my end).
Find Shortcuts and Hacks (and do not be afraid to)
Let me emphasize that this doesn't apply to tests or written exams in your professional development. Always maintain your integrity and try harder in these cases.
However, when it comes to getting into the flow of the occupation, one on the spectrum may struggle to find the order that is often central to their daily lives. If they can manage, little written reminders and self-made how-to guides will prove beneficial.
As a bank teller, there are a lot of ins and outs when it comes to handling money. This includes balancing money, ensuring proper transactions go into the right place, and above all else, ensuring the paperwork reflects the efficiency of my work.
Scattered throughout my workstation are little sheets I use to remind myself what, why, and how a task is done. I keep multiple notebooks on the job: one for quick notes and another for a step-by-step guide comprised of all these notes. Think of it in terms of a rough draft and a final draft, the rough draft being the scribble one needs to collect thoughts and the final draft being the go-to guide when one's hung up on something.
The main idea here is to find what keeps you learning, even if it means literally having the instructions spelled out for you in writing. From the classroom to the bank, these little hacks have kept me on task and learning more in an environment where my main academic weakness (math) is ever-present.
One on the spectrum may have a more challenging task at hand when it comes to learning in the workforce, so I can't stress enough to find little shortcuts and hacks that keep them on par with knowing the job.
If it works, and the higher-ups render their due praise, then do it.
A Few Things to Remember
Every job has its degree of drama and hard days, and though I may need accommodations here or there, I find myself having to accommodate many who are not on the spectrum in my respective environments.
Every relationship, even a business relationship, is built on growth and mutual respect. If you're not growing or receiving any regard for your efforts, do not be afraid to get out of the relationship and the job. Find what works for you and how you can work for it, and consider the less-forgiving jobs as just another step up (and beneath your foot, so to speak).
Above all, remember the rewards. Bonuses and little rewards are a plus, but you'll know you've reached a goal when the boss finally tells you, "You're doing an amazing job." This statement, made by my most recent boss in the coffee business, has meant more to me than a single dime made on the job.
Those on the spectrum can easily find ways to adapt to their work environment and blossom as vital assets. Moreover, they can offer their own learning tools to other co-workers in times of need. In this light, they will be as much a teacher as a co-worker.
