In our journey to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, we've been exploring autism acceptance - moving beyond simple awareness to foster genuine understanding and inclusion. Over the past month, our team has engaged in a series of thoughtful conversations about neurodiversity, challenging misconceptions and celebrating the unique perspectives that make our community stronger.
Moving Beyond Awareness
Autism Acceptance Month has provided an opportunity to deepen our collective understanding of neurodiversity. Rather than simply acknowledging differences, we've focused on taking meaningful steps toward creating an environment where autistic people and all neurodivergent individuals feel valued, understood, and empowered.
The Neurodiversity Movement has made significant strides in shifting perceptions of autism and other neurological differences—including ADHD, dyslexia, and depression—recognising them as natural variations of the human brain rather than deficits. Yet despite this progress, autistic people still face considerable barriers in daily life and particularly in the workplace.
With more than one in 100 people being autistic - at least 700,000 adults and children in the UK - creating more inclusive workplaces isn't just a moral imperative; it's essential for tapping into the full spectrum of human talent. Currently, just 30% of autistic adults in the UK are in any form of paid employment - among the lowest rates for people with additional needs or disabilities.
Understanding Autism
Throughout our sessions, we explored how autism influences the way people experience and interact with the world. While autistic people differ from one another, they may share certain differences in how they think, communicate, and process information compared to neurotypical individuals.
The autism spectrum isn't a linear scale from "more" to "less" autistic, as was once believed. Instead, it represents a unique constellation of characteristics that varies from person to person. Each autistic individual has different strengths, challenges, and support needs that can even fluctuate based on environment, stress levels, and other factors.
Communication and Social Interaction
Autistic people may have different communication styles and preferences. They might use and understand words, tone of voice, and body language differently. Some may have intermittent, unreliable, limited, or no speech, communicating through alternative means such as writing, sign language, gestures, or assistive technology.
Social interaction can present unique challenges. An autistic team member shared, "Social situations can feel like trying to follow an unwritten rulebook that everyone else seems to know by heart. I'm constantly analysing what others might expect from me."
Focused Interests and Self-Regulation
What medical literature sometimes labels as "restricted and repetitive behaviours" are often experienced positively by autistic people as meaningful expressions of identity and essential self-regulatory strategies.
These might include:
- Focused interests: Strong passions for specific topics, providing calm and joy
- Repetitive movements ("stimming"): Such as hand flapping or rocking that help maintain emotional regulation
- Preference for routine: Finding comfort and security in predictability and familiar patterns
One autistic young person eloquently described this experience: "My mind was constantly whirring with thoughts, worries and concerns. The time spent with my intense interest was the only time in which I had a clear mind—it gave me that much sought-after relaxation."
Sensory Processing
Sensory differences are a significant aspect of the autistic experience. Each person may have unique sensitivities to environmental inputs, experiencing heightened or reduced sensitivity to sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, balance, movement, spatial awareness, and internal body states.
These differences aren't just minor preferences—they can profoundly impact an individual's comfort, focus, and wellbeing. Creating sensory-friendly environments benefits not just autistic team members but anyone who appreciates thoughtfully designed spaces.
Lived Experiences: Beyond Stereotypes
Perhaps the most impactful part of our learning journey was exploring diverse autistic experiences—from environmental activist Greta Thunberg and naturalist Chris Packham to former rugby player Gavin Henson and comedian Fern Brady.
These stories highlighted how autism manifests uniquely in each person. For some, like Thunberg, autism provides what she calls a "superpower"—the ability to focus intensely on climate science with unwavering dedication. For Brady, diagnosed at 34, the recognition brought clarity to lifelong challenges with socialising, emotional regulation, and sensory processing.
We also had the privilege of hearing from Alfie Kelly, who works at Café Track in Northampton, a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for autistic individuals. His journey from volunteer to employed team member powerfully illustrates how the right environment can unlock potential.
A key insight emerged from these varied stories: autism isn't something to "overcome" but rather a fundamental aspect of identity that shapes how people perceive and interact with the world. When embraced rather than suppressed, these differences can lead to innovative thinking, unique perspectives, and valuable contributions.
Masking: The Hidden Cost
An important topic we explored was "masking"—the conscious or unconscious strategies many autistic people employ to appear more neurotypical in social and professional settings.
Masking involves carefully monitoring one's behaviour, speech, and mannerisms to fit in with prevailing social expectations. While this might help navigate certain situations, it comes at a significant cost. As Dr. Devon Price writes in "Unmasking Autism":
"Research has repeatedly shown that keeping our true selves locked away is emotionally and physically devastating. Conforming to neurotypical standards can earn us tentative acceptance, but it comes at a heavy cost. Masking is an exhausting performance that contributes to physical exhaustion, psychological burnout, depression, anxiety and even suicidal ideation."
Creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves isn't just about comfort—it's essential for wellbeing and sustainable performance.
Working Differently, Together
As part of our exploration, we conducted team exercises to better understand our collective needs and preferences. Word clouds revealed diverse experiences of our office environment, communication methods, and client meetings.
Some found our spaces "calming" and "creative," while others experienced them as "overwhelming" or "distracting." Communications were variously described as "collaborative" and "connecting," but also sometimes "unclear" or featuring "excessive meetings."
These insights have sparked thoughtful conversations about how we might adapt our workplace to better accommodate different needs and working styles. Small changes can make significant differences—whether it's providing quieter spaces for focused work, offering multiple communication channels, or establishing clearer meeting structures.
The Path Forward
Our month of learning is just the beginning. We're committed to continuing this journey in several ways:
- Workplace Adaptations. Implementing practical changes based on team feedback to create more inclusive environments
- Exploring partnerships with local organisations that provide employment opportunities for autistic individuals
- Ongoing Education. Maintaining open conversations about neurodiversity and expanding our understanding
- Recruitment and Development. Ensuring our processes are accessible and supportive for neurodivergent talent
We believe that diversity of thought and experience fuels creativity and innovation. By fostering a culture that not only accepts but genuinely embraces neurodiversity, we're making space for every voice, every strength, and every mind to contribute to our collective success.
As we move forward, we invite our clients, partners, and community to join us in creating a more inclusive world—one where neurodiversity is recognised not as a challenge to overcome, but as an essential element of human experience to be valued and celebrated.
Interested in learning more about neurodiversity in the workplace?
Websites
Books
- Unmasked by Ellie Middleton
- Unmasking Autism by Dr Devon Price
- Different not Less by Chloe Hayden
- Untypical by Pete Wharmby
Documentaries
- Inside Our Autistic Minds by Chris Packham
- Aspergers and Me by Chris Packham
