Published in the San Diego Psychologist, July 2006 Vol 21 No 06

Autism at Work, (part two)

by Chantal Sicile-Kira

Last month, I wrote about assessing and coaching young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism and enabling them to find (and keep) work based on their interests and abilities. Once possible job markets and careers that are a good match with their talents have been identified, the next step is assessing the challenges of the individual and how these can be overcome to make him a valued colleague or employee. Practically all individuals on the autism spectrum have a sensory processing disorder of one type or another that interferes with daily life. For many, this leads to being easily overwhelmed in noisy, bright, and/or crowded environments. Cognitive challenges such as generalizing, problem solving , as well as executive functions such as multitasking, organizing timelines and papers, can also be a concern for many. Deficits in social communication such as perspective taking, understanding the unstated rules in social situations, and not being good at small talk can be a challenge to getting and keeping a job that requires teamwork.

The good news is that many of these challenges can be overcome. The general rule is to figure out if the individual can be taught the necessary skills or coping strategies. Next there are adaptations that can be made in the work environment or in the actual work assignments. As a last resort, explaining to the employer and colleagues some strategies they can use to help is possible. If none of the above is an option for an individual, it may be that self-employment or micro-enterprise may be the best option.

There are therapies that can help a person with sensory processing issues, but if a person still has difficulties in those areas, working in a quiet environment or wearing earplugs to filter out some of the noise, or wearing tinted lenses to filter out bright lights may be helpful. For difficulties with teamwork, identifying one person on the team who communicates with the employee on the spectrum can be a solution. Trouble with executive functions can be curtailed by using visual timelines and color-coding blocks of time and files. Coaching the future employee on the rules of what is considered appropriate communication with a supervisor (and what is not) and how that is different from the rules for communicating with a colleague, can be taught.

Another important aspect to consider when assessing potential careers, is the employment structure. Some individuals on the spectrum like structure and enjoy having a 9-5 job that takes them in to the same place every day. Some like to work for long periods of time, but then need long breaks. Seasonal work such as construction industry jobs or theme parks can provide that type of structure. Some may only be able to work part time due to sensory processing issues and the strain of working in environments that put them into sensory overload and unable to function more than half a day.

As I explain in my book, Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum (Penguin), having a micro- enterprise or being self-employed may be the way to go for some individuals. For those who are not good at self-regulating and are easily over-whelmed by noise and bright lights, and do not have good social skills and find it extremely difficult to learn them, working as a consultant out of their home may be a solution. For others who are under-employed, starting a small business consulting based on their interests while still employed at their boring job might be a way to get the experience to get out. These individuals will probably need someone (a parent or mentor for example) to market their skills for them. Micro-enterprise or self-employment can be a viable option for those who are more impacted by autism. They can pay someone to do the parts of the job they can’t handle, and any assistance from another person would be considered a business expense.

For example, I am currently coaching a handsome, personable young man (let’s call him Bill) with low self-esteem who bags groceries part time at a major grocery store, and has no friends. Bill has a high school diploma and is bright, but never had the benefit of social skills training, nor did he benefit from any career planning in high school and his deficits in these areas keeps him from getting a better job and having social relationships. Bill likes computers and enjoys history. He loves animals and has always wanted to be a veterinarian, but is not strong in math or science. In addition to being under-employed, Bill is in a precarious living situation and may have to move to a different neighborhood. He is putting on weight and not getting enough exercise due to being at work or in front of his computer.

My long term goal for Bill is to find fulfilling work based on one or more of his interests, and have a circle of friends. My short term goal for Bill is to get his self-esteem up by making him feel successful and realize he can earn money by doing something that he likes. Since Bill likes spending time on the computer and doing research, he is going to start selling on e-bay. I have found someone with experience in this arena willing to help set him up. An acquaintance of Bill needs to sell off the estate of an old couple who passed away. In this estate there are many newer pieces, but there are also some older items that may have some historical value to them. Bill’s love of history will hopefully keep him motivated as will the commission he earns. I am also suggesting that he do some dog walking for his neighbors so that he will have contact with animals and other people and get the exercise he needs. Eventually when he moves to his new neighborhood, he can continue to develop his e-bay business from his new home, and find new dog-walking clients with the positive references from his old neighborhood.

At the very least, Bill is learning that although he still faces many challenges, he has strengths upon which to build. With coaching, mentoring and creative thinking, satisfying work is possible for many on the autism spectrum.

Chantal Sicile-Kira assesses and coaches teens and young adults on the autism spectrum for work and college. She is the award-winning author of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Adolescence on the Autism Spectrum (both published by Random House in the UK and Penguin in the US). Chantal is a national speaker on autism and hosts radio shows on Autism One Radio in French and English. Visit www.chatalsicile-kira.com for more information.

Read Autism at Work, (part one)