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.
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.
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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