How Autistic People Often Say ‘Thank You’ Without Using the Words
Read without ads 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...
Author: jaimeaheidel
Why Autistic Employees Need Clear, Direct Performance Feedback
Read without ads 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...
Your Autistic Student Isn’t Being Sarcastic, They Take What You Say Literally
Read without ads 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,...
Think Twice Before Interrupting an Autistic Co-Worker at Work
Read without ads 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....
How to Help Your Autistic Co-Workers Feel Safe and Comfortable at Work
Read without ads 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...
What an Autistic Brain Is Doing During a “Simple” Chat With a Neurotypical Person
Read without ads 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...
Why Autistic Career Growth Should Not Depend on Socializing
Read without ads 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...
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.” Read without ads If you have ever heard these comments aimed at an autistic colleague, you are not alone. In many workplaces, a mismatch in communication styles...
“Why Does My Autistic Employee Always Seem Confused?”
Read without ads 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...
“Why Does My Autistic Employee Ask So Many Questions?”
Read without ads 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...
