The NAS has a document about the special attributes people with autism are supposed to have which are commendable in the world of work, such as reliability, attention to detail, technical ability; etc. However, while as with every stereotype there is some truth to this, it does not reflect the lived experience of many on the spectrum.
Take attention to detail and ability to focus. Yes, it is true that people with autism often persist at tasks they are interested in, sometimes at the expense of everyday demands such as eating and organising one's life. Often the focus is very narrow and highly specific, as they will zoom in on part of a task and will not see the big picture. This can be a real problem in a work place environment unless the task is very repetitive and specific, such as computer coding. However, not all people with autism are interested in or excel at computing, and so this can be an unhelpful stereotype. This is particularly the case if, like me, they have spatial awareness difficulties or dyspraxic traits.
Also, many people with ASC have ADHD traits, and this can counteract attention to detail in some situations, resulting in careless mistakes because of poor attention and distractibility.
Again, ADHD and dyspraxic traits can undermine reliability, particularly if the person also endures chronic anxiety, which is common in ASC.
People with autism can make good employees in a supported environment with the right reasonable adjustments; but everyone with autism is unique and glib generalisations can actually be quite damaging because they do not always reflect reality for many people on the spectrum, myself included.
