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Autism can make those with it very over or undersensitive to the environment around them, at home, at work or at leisure.  By this I mean to issues such as

• Light
• Sounds
• Smells
• Textures
• Movement

I am very light sensitive, struggling in dull sunshine. I also struggle with movements and textures. The effects vary from one person to another from being slightly distracting, or totally distressing beyond what may seem logical.  It can lead to stress, at worse meltdowns.   Meltdowns can be the result of overwhelming feelings,  and can be exhausting, and can look like trantrums.

The stress and other worker’s reactions may result in reduced productivity and negatively affect the opinion of the work of the autistic worker, and their confidence.  I will tell you some ways to help them Calm down, not Clam up and meltdown (or shutdown).  It is important to remember though once you have met one person wtih autism you have met one person with autism, so approaches may need to vary.  The effort is worth it though.

How to help:

1. Talk to them, discuss triggers – light, sound, noise etc
2. How to avoid them – the environment, permission to have time out, to calm down
3. If a meltdown does occur – how to react, how not to react
4. Don’t make them feel stupid – discuss

Why is is important to put this into action?  It will allow people with Autism to relax, perform to their best to bring their skills to the company.  It will prevent poor reviews,  and disciplinary and capability reviews as there is greater understanding on both sides.

I can say this will help as I have suffered from some of the above, and lost jobs to it, when I just wanted to feel able to contribute using my skills.

If you would like to find out more please leave feed back and I would love to discuss Autism and its skills with you.