Advocate for Yourself in the Workplace

Many autistic people have differences in social communication, sensory regulation, executive function and movement that can pose challenges in the workplace. For example, some people might feel overwhelmed when working in a loud environment. Others might struggle to work under bright fluorescent lights.

Every individual and workplace environment is unique. You can identify possible challenges in the workplace by scanning your environment and considering your unique differences in light of your job duties and work environment. You may find that your differences have changed over time or that they affect you differently when you change jobs.

• From the Autism Speaks Employment Tool Kit - Accommodations and Disclosure

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. An accommodation is an adjustment to your job duties or environment that makes it possible for you to do your job.

Consider your social communication, sensory regulation, executive function and movement differences and what would help you do your job effectively. Now that you have some work experience, you may already have an idea of your accommodation needs. Some examples include:

• Physical accommodations, like changes in lighting or noise-reduction devices.
• Communication accommodations, like using prepared scripts or asking for instructions in writing.
• Executive functions-related accommodations, like using visual cues or asking to audio record meetings.

You may also have loss of strength, physical limitations or health issues that require accommodations to keep you safe.

• From the U.S. Department of Labor - Job Accommodations
• From the Job Accommodation Network - Learn about accommodations based on your role
• From the Autism Speaks Employment Tool Kit - Your Employment Rights