How Autistic People Often Say ‘Thank You’ Without Using the Words
Throughout my life, I have been scolded many times for not saying “thank you” when it was expected. If someone gave me a gift, took me out, or did me a favor, there was...
Author: jaimeaheidel
Why Autistic Employees Need Clear, Direct Performance Feedback
In many neurotypical workplaces, it is seen as polite and professional to soften negative feedback. Managers hint, use idioms, make light jokes, and rely on tone and facial expressions to signal that someone needs...
Your Autistic Student Isn’t Being Sarcastic, They Take What You Say Literally
Are your autistic students being rude to you? Are you sure? What is mistaken for disrespect and backtalk is often the result of the neurotypical teacher intending to convey a specific, hidden message, and...
Think Twice Before Interrupting an Autistic Co-Worker at Work
In many offices, small talk is part of the culture. Neurotypical employees often enjoy swinging by a desk to chat about weekend plans, last night’s game, or the latest TV show. These quick conversations...
How to Help Your Autistic Co-Workers Feel Safe and Comfortable at Work
Many articles about supporting autistic people in the workplace are aimed at managers and HR. That guidance is important, but it is not the whole story. Autistic employees do not spend most of their...
What an Autistic Brain Is Doing During a “Simple” Chat With a Neurotypical Person
Many autistic people describe how draining it can be to hold a casual conversation with a neurotypical person. Memes, posts, and jokes about this are everywhere. What is harder to find is a clear,...
Why Autistic Career Growth Should Not Depend on Socializing
One of the main reasons many autistic people struggle in the corporate world is not a lack of talent or effort. The problem is that workplaces tend to reward a different focus than the...
When an Autistic Employee Sounds Like a “Know-It-All”, What May Be Happening (and How to Respond)
“You think you’re so smart.” “Okay, know-it-all.” If you have ever heard these comments aimed at an autistic colleague, you are not alone. In many workplaces, a mismatch in communication styles can be mistaken...
“Why Does My Autistic Employee Always Seem Confused?”
Does your autistic employee frequently seem confused? Confusion in the workplace isn’t just frustrating; it can lower productivity, employee morale, and result in costly mistakes. As their supervisor, you feel you’ve been clear with...
“Why Does My Autistic Employee Ask So Many Questions?”
As a manager of autistic employees, you may have found yourself frustratedly asking, “Why does my autistic employee ask so many questions?” more than once. After all, they’ve done the onboarding process, gone through...
