People on the spectrum often demonstrate trustworthiness, strong memories, reliability, adherence to rules and attention to detail. They are often good at coding – a skill that is in high demand.
Some autistic people are extremely talented and skilled problem solvers. Some will home in on an efficient solution very quickly; others are able to use their creative thinking to find novel solutions to very difficult problems. This is a clear benefit to companies with autism employment agendas.
This can lead to missed opportunities at work and misunderstandings with bosses and coworkers. Others might think that a person with autism is being rude by not looking them in the eye. Or that they're just shy because they don't participate much in conversations. Sensory issues can also be an obstacle at work.
Attention to detail or visual thinkers: Those on the spectrum can quickly spot things others may miss, ensure accuracy and excel at intricate work. As mentioned above, this was the case with Temple Grandin. Technical abilities: For very detail-oriented individuals, technical skills often come quickly.
People with Autism Struggle with Social Interaction
And because they may have difficulty processing their own feelings, people with autism may be unaware of the emotions of the people around them. All of this has the potential to offend other employees, leading them to form a negative opinion of the person with autism.
Just as each child's personality is unique, so are their ASD symptoms, so working with children with ASD involves plenty of trial and error, patience, and compassion. Working with autistic children is not for the faint of heart, and daily challenges can be expected.
Research finds that autistic people tend to face problems in the workplace,1 including changing careers regularly and struggling to navigate workplace relationships.
Receiving Social Security Disability for Autism. There are two programs that people with autism can use to receive Social Security disability benefits: the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
However, the fitness tests showed that aerobic fitness, flexibility and body mass index of children with autism spectrum disorders was similar to the children without autism. The strength test was the only one that children with autism spectrum disorders did not perform as well in, the study said.
Many autistic people are thoughtful and respectful and polite and don't want to be disrespectful which can exacerbate this issue. Others find practicing assertiveness almost impossible. In some intimate relationships, autistic people can be manipulated and taken advantage of by their partner.
Although this can sometimes feel challenging, it is important to recognize three very simple factors that every person with ASD needs: safety, acceptance and a sense of competence.
The absence of intuitive and even obligatory “mentalizing” in autism may also contribute to talent. People with autism may be less subject to herd thinking, and more able to take original perspectives.
If you or your child has autism, the NDIS may be able to support you to gain access to services and support in your community. It can also provide funding for early intervention therapies, or one-off items such as wheelchairs or assistive technologies.
To be eligible for the payment you must be receiving the Carer Allowance or the Carer Payment as of the 1 July each year. The payment is up to $600 each year and you do not need to apply for it. You will automatically receive it if you are eligible however it's always a good idea to check with Centrelink.
Most Autistic Adults Are Underemployed
It's estimated that around half of autistic adults are employed. 1 Of those, many have only part-time jobs or are doing work for which they're overqualified. There are also many autistic people working as volunteers or in programs outside the mainstream.
Autistic people are often particularly suited to some roles, to the extent that they are specifically targeted by some companies. On the whole, however, autistic people tend to face problems in the workplace, like interpersonal issues or sensory overload.
Autistic people tend to have a strong work ethic
If autistic people truly love their jobs, they can even lose track of time when they're doing them which improves performance and enables them to go into greater depth in a particular task.
The unique qualities of an autistic mind can make for excellent employees. Traits like honesty, focused effort, and logical thinking stand out. For high-functioning autistic people, there are recent initiatives to leverage their distinctive skill sets.
Sensory Issues
Many people with autism experience sensory processing disorder. This is more commonly known as sensory overload. Noise, crowds, bright lights, strong tastes, smells, and being touched can feel unbearable to someone with HFA. This makes going to restaurants, movies, and shopping malls difficult.
Autistic fatigue is a state of extreme mental, physical and/or sensory exhaustion. When the body's resources are overworked, it can result in fatigue. This can then lead on to burnout. Burnout is the body's response to being in a prolonged state of stress and frustration.
Rather than giving autistic employees incredibly easy tasks, challenge them in a way that inspires them. Find what excites them and use that energy to meet your shared goals. Understand that they are qualified and capable, even if they need extra support, and trust them to work without supervision if they're ready.
Autistic people can find social situations difficult or overwhelming and struggle to make and maintain friendships, leading to social isolation.