How can Non-verbal People with Autism Function in the Workplace?

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.