You CAN work when you have autism - Neurodiversity working

This week we are focusing on Autism and managing working for yourself as a small business owner and our best hacks on managing working as an autistic.

1: Focus on what you are ABLE to manage as an autistic and a job that will fit you and your condition. There is no point in having a people focused job if you struggle with facing people and feel burnt out. Create a mind map of you and your skills and job opportunities for them and what will FIT YOU the best.

2: Know your strengths and weakness. This will help you know what you will be capable of and what you will struggle with, this way you can avoid the things that you struggle with, get additional support put into place, or delegate those tasks for someone else. Whilst you can focus on your strengths and doing the best you are able to. 

3: Focus on schedule; you may not be able to work the regular 9-5 job and that’s fine, you may work better at 4 till 7am, or at night. Make a schedule and a job that works for you and your condition, even if it means not doing the ‘ordinary’ thing, your doing the best to function and that’s fine.

4: Utilize time management tools.

5: Sensory overload; put in place a ‘Quiet spot’ for when you are overloaded, and a ‘down time’ after work. Have sound canceling headphones, or listen to white noise, or instrumental music if it helps you. Have a stress toy, or a chew necklace. Have a bouncy ball, or a crossed legged chair, if you struggle to sit still. Work on having resources and things that support you to help you get what you need done.

6: Network with others so that you are not alone and even see a councillor to help you offload.

Check out our other posts about managing anxiety and have a look at our mental health journals in our shop which may help you.

How to manage your autism if you are a working parent.

We understand what it’s like to be neurodiverse and a parent, and it can be really difficult at times, so here are our favorite hacks:

1: Utilize as many supportive resources as possible. Don’t be afraid to search what’s available and contact them, you never know they might be able to give you some amazing advice and support.

2: Focus on a schedule that works for YOU and fits in best for the way you can handle and manage your work and your children, no matter how ‘strange’ it looks for other people. It’s about making your life as functional as possible for you and your family, so politely screw what other people think!

3: Make sure you schedule your ‘down time’ if you get hyper focused, or overwhelmed at work, going strait into looking after your child might not help matters. Try and have a space in-between where you can relax and unwind. You NEED to be able to take breaks, for your own wellbeing.

4: Utilize support from your employer. Your employer should give you reasonable support to managing your condition. This might be allowing you to wear white noise headphones, having a quiet space at work, or other previsions, you should not have to struggle and a good employer that is informed about the Equality act 2010, will be willing to support you.

5: Get support: Whether this is joining a virtual group especially for working parents with autism, or going to a councilor, it’s vital for your wellbeing to be able to safely offload and get support, because it’s HARD AF!

7: Talk to your child about your autism and having a boundary, when you need ‘5 minutes’ due to overstimulation. There are books available to read to your child, that can help you.

We hope this post gives you the information you need to feel inspired, empowered and educated.

The Business Parents organization .

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