This blog will discuss how non-verbal people with
autism can not only land a job, but perform a job with the communication
requirements of today’s workforce. At the time of writing, I am both a current job
seeker, and an autistic adult who has trouble communicating verbally. In my
previous blog I had discussed how misconceptions around autism can make life
challenging for people on the spectrum. The information discussed in this blog
will be valuable both to employers, and to jobseekers that are on the autistic
spectrum.
So how can someone with limited speech manage in a
job? There seems to be a common assumption that such people are incapable of
working. To the untrained mind, this would seem logical – given that jobs take
place in a social environment, they usually involve a degree of teamwork, and
employers value good communication skills. Contrary to popular belief, however,
being non-verbal in the workplace may not be all that difficult. In order to
answer the above question, one only has to look at the facts and myths
surrounding ‘non-verbal’ autism.
One of the popular beliefs is that non-verbal people
with autism must be mentally impaired. My previous blog, as well as true facts
provided by the National Autistic Society, have already demonstrated that this
is not the case. In truth, non-verbal people with autism often DO understand
what others say to them (even if they don’t acknowledge it), and they usually
prefer other means of communication (National Autistic Society, 2013). This is
where another misconception, which I have learned from my own experiences,
comes in – that speech is the only method of communication available. Think for
a moment – is that the case, in an age of modern technology, with all the
devices that people can write on or send messages with? Not very likely!
Despite my challenges, I have managed to reach a lot
of things in life that required communication – these include a university
course that required team projects; organising my own fundraising events;
ordering meals at restaurants; arranging currency exchange at a shop; and
getting through US immigration. So how was all this possible? While I did
manage speech in some communication scenarios – including the last three points
– I have more often used written communication to get through life. In order
for an autistic employee to cope in the workplace, the answer to ‘how’ is
simple. All they need two main accommodations, both of which are in the methods
of communication.
The first of these accommodations is speech. To any
employers reading this – why pressure for speech, when there are so many other
forms of communication? I had previously stated that non-verbal people with
autism prefer other means of communication – my preference is written notes. I
find this easier that speech, and I can absorb information better when it is
written. I have no problem getting along with anyone as long as they understand
my abnormalities, and preferred methods of communication. With group projects,
exchanging email addresses with team members proved very useful, as making
arrangements over email was easier than doing so face-to-face.
The second accommodation is with social cues. We on
the spectrum often have difficulty interpreting non-verbal cues, such as body
language and facial expressions – and I am no exception. This may mean that we
cannot tell when someone is displeased with us, or whether we have done a good
job. So, does this mean that bosses or work colleagues have no way to
communicate with us? Of course not! It just means making a rule to always give us
verbal feedback on behaviours, performances, etc – which shouldn’t be a lot to
ask for.
And don’t forget, those of us with autism have many
positive traits to offer – we have focus and diligence; we take pride in our
work; a desire to please others; unique, independent ways of thinking; higher
fluid intelligence; good visual thinking; and strong attention to detail (Simone,
2010). Surely it’s worth considering an employee who has all those traits, when
the accommodations required shouldn’t cost the company any time or money?
I hope any employers reading this blog will reconsider
any negative ideas about hiring autistic employees. As you can see, working
with someone who is non-verbal is not all that hard if you understand this
person properly. Using easier methods of communication has made so much in my
life possible. And remember, just because someone doesn’t verbalise doesn’t mean
they have no skills to offer!
References
· National Autistic Society, 2013. Myths and Facts – |
autism | Asperger syndrome |. [online] Available at: http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm
[Accessed 28 March 2015]
· Simone, R., 2010. Asperger’s
on the Job. Arlington: Future Horizons.
