This guide aims to help you to understand some of the adjustments that you can offer to your staff. These include changes to the environment, your working practices and your communication. Everyone has different needs and strengths so we hope that these suggestions help to start some productive conversations.

This guide has been produced from research carried out by UCL and Autistica. 1

Uncertainty is a big cause of anxiety for many autistic people. Providing certainty to people’s days where possible, eases anxiety and helps everyone to feel prepared and informed.

• Allocated desk (even in a hot desk environment)
• Allocated parking space
• Clear signage to help new starters to find their way around
• Detailed agenda for meetings, and papers sent in advance
• Notice ahead of changes
• Interview questions in advance
• Keep promises that are made

Many autistic people are particularly sensitive to certain noises, lights and smells. Although some may seek out these sensory elements. Because these experiences are unique to each person it’s important to offer choice where you can.

Suggestions for reducing the impact of noise and distractions:

• Let employees wear ear defenders or noise cancelling headphones
• Provide a quiet room to go when things get overwhelming
• Encourage staff to have quiet conversations, or dedicate areas away from desks for conversations

Suggestions relating to light and screens:

• Offer blue screen filters or tinted glasses
• Reduce the use of fluorescent lighting and use natural light where possible
• Provide a small desk lamp
• Fix flickering lights

Suggestions relating to smells:

• Encourage staff to avoid strong perfumes
• Consider a desk away from the kitchen

Everyone should be comfortable at work, but autistic people may be more sensitive than other colleagues due to sensory differences, or physical health conditions.

• Offer an ergonomic chair, wrist rest, keyboard, laptop stand
• Ability to change temperature in the room
• Maximise personal space where possible – spaced out seating in meetings
• Option to work away from doors and busy pathways
• Visual partitions of workspace
• Provide flexibility on clothing choices where possible

We are all guilty of saying things that aren’t clear or using figures of speech. But they can understandably be confusing and misleading for autistic colleagues who may take things more literally. Clear written communication can also allow for more processing time.

• Say what you mean – don’t say I’ll be five minutes if you’ll really be 15
• Ask one question at a time
• Provide written instructions rather than verbal
• Give clear action points in emails
• Avoid the use of metaphors and idioms
• Specified hours for responding to emails
• Patience and acceptance for any misunderstandings

Autistic colleagues want to build good working relationships but may find it difficult to start conversations and may prefer to opt out of social events. Think about ways to make it easier for them to build connections in and outside of work.

• Relaxed obligations to social commitments
• The option to work near familiar and understanding colleagues
• Ask about preferences for social events – such as a location for dinner

Working in the office and going away with work can be challenging and tiring for autistic employees. They may have health and wellbeing needs too. Consider how often they need to be in the office or staying away as they may be more productive working from home where they feel most comfortable.

• Consider working from home or hybrid working
  
• Consider flexible working hours
• Reduce overnight stays where possible
• Have regular wellbeing checks
• Build flexibility into workloads

The adjustments discussed in this guide will only be effective if your company has a culture of understanding and acceptance. Consider how you can train your staff to be more inclusive in their working practices.

• Train staff on neurodiversity-specific needs
• Offer the option to refuse taking on more work (some find it difficult to say no)
• Educate staff about using positive and sensitive language (see our Guide to Talking about Autism at Work)