Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi All,
I've just had a formal diagnosis of high functioning autism and along with it a list of potential recommendations from a professional to be discussed with my employer. My employer has pretty much point blank refused things on this list or just ignored them entirely. Some of them are obviously unreasonable for such a small company like having a quiet place to work but others like adjusting communication styles don't seem to be to me. Essentially the only things I've had are passive things like being able to wear headphones and move desk. I feel like the diagnosis has given me a bit of breathing space at work and stopped some of their offensive behaviour but things are far from me being supported and accommodated.
So realistically, what do people find they are able to get as reasonable accommodations at work and how did you get them? Especially interested in any environments that are as close to small sized business software development as possible, i.e. limited resources and an office environment.
Thanks,
Craig
There are a number of reasonable adjustments that can help ASD. You’ve mentioned some really good ones but I’d add some which I hope is useful:
1. Time Out when overwhelmed;
2. Working from home one day a week;
3. Workplace Coaching (via Access to Work);
4. Noise Cancelling Headphones (Bose models are good);
5. Attending medical appointments;
6. Regular management catch-ups:
There is some really good stuff on the NAS website on the types of adjustments for ASD and I’d certainly recommend speaking to Access to Work to see if they can help. They are able to provide financial assistance to smaller employers where barriers may be harder to remove (please see
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-work-factsheet/access-to-work-factsheet-for-customers)
This link should work:
www.gov.uk/.../access-to-work-factsheet-for-customers