Working on life skills like hygiene, self-advocacy and social communication are important to succeed in jobs, which these linked articles in the Milestones Autism Planning (MAP) Tool can help you with. For example, if you come to work without using deodorant and showering regularly, people may be uncomfortable and may avoid you. If you leave a mess in the kitchen area when you get your lunch like crumbs on the counter or not throwing away your trash, it can be frustrating for your co-workers.
It can be challenging learning new things and learning what is meant by doing a good job at work. Understanding the social skills you need to get along with different people takes practice. It can help to ask your disability agency representative, job coach or a trusted family member for advice.
It is common to have sensory issues like being sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, lots of people moving around or strong smells. Sometimes that can lead to sensory overload or other situations that may cause a meltdown.
Sometimes it may feel frustrating, but you can start to identify when you're getting overwhelmed and learn coping strategies. If it’s that you’re not sure how to do a task you’ve been asked to do, learn who to ask for help when something is difficult.
Building self awareness for what may trigger a meltdown and what you need to help deal with your sensory issues can make a big difference. Two self-advocates share strategies they use to manage their sensory challenges here, including light, sound and smell starting with assessing your needs. The Managing Sensory Issues article in the MAP also provides tips and information.
Understanding money is important to know how to save and budget what you earn. The money management article in the MAP has some helpful tips.
Understanding Workplace Interactions and What Is Fair or Not
It’s important to understand the difference between what is fair and typical in the workplace and what might not be, and how to advocate for yourself appropriately. Each workplace is different just like each person is different. People will expect you to be polite, show interest in what they explain to you, and to clean up after yourself.
It’s not OK for someone to be mean or to take advantage of you, but often it can be a miscommunication. You will encounter different kinds of people and bosses and you will need to learn how to handle it. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or you’re not sure what to do in a work situation, it can be very helpful to ask advice from someone you trust who you think has good workplace knowledge and instincts, and does not work in the same place as you do.
How to Interact with Your Supervisor
Your supervisor is responsible for making sure people who report to them like you are meeting their goals and getting their work done. You probably will meet with them regularly to discuss your work and what you need to get done by when. You need to take notes on your assignments during check-ins and project meetings if that applies to your kind of work. Also, your supervisor will not expect you to just say no to assignments or to do certain things without letting them know.
Let your supervisor know right away if you are sick, can't be at work or will be late.
The Milestones free autism Helpdesk or Individual Consultations are here to support you.
Additional Resources
Employment First
Employment First is a policy to ensure every individual of working age has an opportunity to seek employment.
