A note on your Number 6 "Boundaries". While most neurotypicals might take the word to express productivity vs a non exhausting work schedule/routine, I think the word should also be taken to imply a COWORKER factor. I can't speak for all autistics, but I can for myself (and quite a few I've met) that our neurotypical coworker's near constant need for social interactions, brain burning chit-chat, meetups, more chit-chat, mandatory (for some reason) luncheons absolutely EXHAUST us far more than any WORK load ever could (I want to highlight the word "work" there because, ha ha, isn't THAT what we're all at our jobs to ACTUALLY do). Boundaries should be drawn there as well. I don't have any desire to wrenched from my hyperfocus in order partake in mandatory mid-morning muffins due to my coworkers desire grease the wheels of sociability. Give your neurodiverse employees an out. We hate that stuff, and the deletion of it would make us far more productive and happier workers.
Totally agree. While I work from home, I still have to attend online meetings and the occasional in-person conferences or workshops. I have especially learned that at conferences and workshops, the neurotypicals love the socialization, team dinners, award dinners, etc. I’m like, I’ve been at this thing all day and now I’m supposed to do those too? I have figured out my best way to avoid over stimulation and burnout is ti pick maybe one team dinner to go to and then knock off of the conference at like 2:00 to give me a couple hours to chill. I also tend to eat my lunch somewhere quiet instead of those loud meeting rooms, then wander in about 10 minutes before the next session starts and eat a cookie.
My ADHD side rebelled inside of me reading strategies 1 through 5! It relaxed when I made it to #8 :)
“I manage my time the best I can, knowing that some days I can do more than others. I think that by increasing my awareness of this, I have actually stopped wasting as much time going in circles.” - this really resonates with me. Honoring my own energy cycles and leaning into both high energy and low energy days has been really helpful for me, too.
A note on your Number 6 "Boundaries". While most neurotypicals might take the word to express productivity vs a non exhausting work schedule/routine, I think the word should also be taken to imply a COWORKER factor. I can't speak for all autistics, but I can for myself (and quite a few I've met) that our neurotypical coworker's near constant need for social interactions, brain burning chit-chat, meetups, more chit-chat, mandatory (for some reason) luncheons absolutely EXHAUST us far more than any WORK load ever could (I want to highlight the word "work" there because, ha ha, isn't THAT what we're all at our jobs to ACTUALLY do). Boundaries should be drawn there as well. I don't have any desire to wrenched from my hyperfocus in order partake in mandatory mid-morning muffins due to my coworkers desire grease the wheels of sociability. Give your neurodiverse employees an out. We hate that stuff, and the deletion of it would make us far more productive and happier workers.
Totally agree. While I work from home, I still have to attend online meetings and the occasional in-person conferences or workshops. I have especially learned that at conferences and workshops, the neurotypicals love the socialization, team dinners, award dinners, etc. I’m like, I’ve been at this thing all day and now I’m supposed to do those too? I have figured out my best way to avoid over stimulation and burnout is ti pick maybe one team dinner to go to and then knock off of the conference at like 2:00 to give me a couple hours to chill. I also tend to eat my lunch somewhere quiet instead of those loud meeting rooms, then wander in about 10 minutes before the next session starts and eat a cookie.
Nice article. Thanks for sharing, Dr.
This was so helpful, thank you!
My ADHD side rebelled inside of me reading strategies 1 through 5! It relaxed when I made it to #8 :)
“I manage my time the best I can, knowing that some days I can do more than others. I think that by increasing my awareness of this, I have actually stopped wasting as much time going in circles.” - this really resonates with me. Honoring my own energy cycles and leaning into both high energy and low energy days has been really helpful for me, too.
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