Autistic employees can face challenges in the workplace due to:

• the way their autism presents
• the way tasks are communicated
• the physical environment.

It is important to be aware of these potential challenges, and know how to promote effective participation and inclusion within your workplace. Due to the complex nature of autism, each person's social and other functioning is unique and varies not just between individuals but also between environments, settings, and other contextual factors.

Workplace modifications or reasonable adjustments are adaptations or modifications are made in and to the work environment to assist an employee to carry out their work effectively. Employers are required by law to provide reasonable workplace adjustments when necessary for their employees. The need for reasonable adjustments can be identified at any point during a person's employment, and can be identified by the employee or jointly by the employee and the employer.

Modifications can be to any aspect of the work context, including:

• sensory
• social
• communication
• physical
• task specific.

Many workplace adjustments that support Autistic people are simple to implement. For workplace adjustments that may be more costly to implement, financial assistance for the employer can be available.

Resources

With some simple adjustments, employers can make their workplace more inclusive for Autistic employees. Use this free downloadable information guide so that you can make a meaningful start in supporting Autistic strengths and recognise all the ways that autism works.

Helpful resources