A Step Towards Progress
As awareness about autism grows among the general population – both in real life and in digital spaces – it’s crucial to ensure that there’s a greater understanding of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) to foster progress and empathy worldwide. World Autism Day serves as a vitally important step in this direction.
What is World Autism Day?
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) aims to highlight the difficulties faced by people with autism and increase understanding globally. Through annual activities, it seeks to raise awareness and support for individuals of all ages living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The day was established in 2007 by the United Nations.
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Understanding Autism
What is Autism?
Statistics in the UK
- Around 1.04% of the UK population have been diagnosed with autism, though it is thought to be under diagnosed.
- Only 30% of people with autism are in employment, with the majority likely to be overqualified for the job they have, most likely to be on zero-hours contracts, and least likely to be in a permanent role.
- Males are 3x more likely to be diagnosed than females due to most research being conducted on male individuals.
- Only around 35% of autistic employees are fully open about being autistic.
- 20% of people with autism live with an anxiety disorder.
Why Do We Need Autism Awareness?
Symptoms of Autism:
- Communication issues: Some individuals with ASD may interpret language literally, struggle with sarcasm, or require extra time to process information.
- Social issues: Difficulty reading emotions may lead to appearing insensitive or distant. Some individuals “mask” their differences by imitating others’ behaviour.
- Sensory issues: Autistic individuals may experience heightened or diminished sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light, colours, temperatures, or pain.
- Hyperfocus: While intense focus can benefit academically or professionally, individuals may neglect other aspects of life due to fixation on specific topics or activities.
Autism in the Workplace
“I decided that I needed to find something to fit me better instead of trying to force myself to fit into it.” – A valued autistic Modern Mobility colleague
What Is It Like Working with Autism?
Autism in the workplace can pose significant challenges due to sensory sensitivities, social expectations/difficulties, and a lack of support or understanding from employers and coworkers.
Bright fluorescent lighting, loud noises, strong smells, and multiple conversations can overwhelm autistic individuals. Interacting with customers or colleagues may also be difficult due to communication issues, sometimes leading to misunderstandings or even bullying. Some may perceive the direct nature of autistic communication as aggressive or insulting.
With only 30% of autistic individuals able to maintain employment, raising awareness of ASD in the workplace and implementing reasonable adjustments could greatly improve this statistic.
What Reasonable Adjustments Can Be Made to Assist People with Autism?
The definition of ‘reasonable’ varies between companies. What is practical in one business may not be in another.
For autistic individuals, assessing what might hinder your ability to focus or enjoy your job, and coming up with personal adjustments to directly solve these obstacles, is a good place to start. For example, wearing noise-cancelling headphones for auditory sensitivities, or making clear that you prefer written communication via email to in-person spoken communication.
Speaking with your manager about workplace adjustments is key. This could mean sitting further away from noise or kitchens to avoid sensory issues, or adjusting working hours to better suit your needs.
For employers, being open and non-judgmental if an autistic employee chooses to be forthcoming with adjustments that would help them better do their job is important. Let your employee know what they are entitled to ask for, and periodically check that they are feeling secure in their ability to approach you with adjustment requests if needed.
Our Colleague’s Story: What is working with autism like for me?
“I have been in some sort of employment since age 16, and I am also autistic. Since school, I have always been a little different from my peers. But until a few years ago, when I was officially diagnosed, I genuinely believed that to be treated better, I had to work harder to fit in, change myself and ignore how I felt often at the expense of my wellbeing.”
“I worked in the Retail/Hospitality trade for a few years which always ended in burnout on my days off due to many varying factors, which affected both my mental and physical health. Learning how to deal with these using aids, as well as forms of therapy has been a massive help in coping in the working world. I decided that I needed to find something to fit me better instead of trying to force myself to fit into it.”
“Coming to work here at Modern Mobility has been a big positive change, having the structure of a 9 – 5 and a supportive work environment has helped me exponentially in my confidence. It’s been a journey, but I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made.”
Autism Aids and Resources
Our Colleague Recommends…
“I’ve discovered a variety of aids that have been incredibly helpful in managing my own autistic traits. For instance, when I’m overwhelmed by noise, I find comfort in wearing ear defenders or using earplugs to dial down the volume.”
“During moments of heightened anxiety or when I need to manage stimming, I’ve found solace in fidget rings and the calming support of a weighted blanket. These tools have become essential companions in my journey toward self-care and finding balance amidst the challenges of autism.”
Modern Mobility Recommends…
As part of Modern Mobility’s long-standing and continuing support of neurodivergent customers, we created a guide to our top product picks for Disability Pride Month.
Support Helplines List
National Autistic Society | Offering a range of services, advice, and guidance
Beyond Autism | Aiming to “ensure autistic children and young adults access an education which empowers a life full of choice, independence and opportunity.”
Autistica | An organisation that focuses on researching autism, and the people whose lives are touched by ASD
Autism Together | “Autism Together is an award-winning provider of services and support to autistic people and their families”
Supporting and Celebrating You
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