Asperger's on the Job: Must-Have Advice for People With Asperger's or High Functioning Autism, and Their Employers, Educators, and Advocates (8 page)

High on the AS wish list? A desk/workspace by a window. In addition to natural light, this also supplies a view: a place to focus eyes and mind; a mini-break from sensory overload.

Fresh air
is another common workplace wish:

“I don’t eat during the day so I could take ten-minute breaks throughout the day instead of one long lunch. That way I can clear my head and get some much-needed fresh air.”

-TOM, 24, MS AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

“I would like windows which I am allowed to open any time I want. I hate air conditioning. I need fresh air once in a while.”

- FUMIRO, MALE IN HIS TWENTIES, JAPAN

According to an EPA report, in the 1970s “national energy conservation measures called for a reduction in the amount of outdoor air provided for ventilation (from 15) to 5 cfm per occupant. In many cases these reduced outdoor air ventilation rates were found to be
inadequate
to maintain the health and comfort of building occupants” (1991). While standards have been raised back to 15 or 20 and even higher, new and existing buildings often do not meet these standards. The use of chemicals and an inadequate supply of fresh air is linked with
sick building syndrome
(SBS) and has caused billions of dollars in lost productivity. While we cannot delve too deeply into the causes and solutions to SBS here, minimizing the use of chemicals, getting HVAC systems checked, and increasing availability of fresh air can only be good for all workers and mean less sick pay to dish out.

Reasonable temperatures
also made it onto our wish list. Since the invention/introduction of AC and central heat into the workplace, the average indoor office temperature has decreased in the summer months to the point where it is necessary to wear a sweater; and increased in the winter months to enable wearing a t-shirt. This goes against the body’s natural adjustment to seasonal climate changes and evokes strong reactions from logical, skin-sensitive Aspergians. Incidentally, it also coincides with the rise of obesity in America (studies have shown that the body expends less energy in climate-controlled indoor environments).

Smells and chemicals:
Chemical sensitivity has its own syndrome now, but those with AS seem to have it as part of their package deal. If you go by what most credible AS researchers believe, autism is brought about by a combination of genetic factors and
environmental insults,
such as toxins. Most with AS whom I’ve spoken to gravitate toward natural products, natural fibers, natural scents, etc., and have a strong reaction to smells, either favorable or unfavorable. Most furnishings made today have toxic chemicals such as fire retardants used in their production. A conversation with a scientist at the UC Davis CHARGE study revealed that bromated flame retardants as well as chemical-based cleaners and air fresheners are being looked at as some of the
possible
environmental causes of ASDs. Until we
know more, keeping chemicals to an absolute minimum in our environment would be ideal, not only for those with AS, but for all workers.

• Ask for a spot by a window and open some blinds.
  
• Ask if there’s a way to improve lighting; e.g., if the office can make the shift to full-spectrum light. If not, ask if the fluorescent lights over your desk at least can be turned off and/or if you can bring your own lamp or bulbs.
  
• Wear a hat with a brim to counter the effects of overhead lights. It can also give you a feeling of security.
  
• Dark or colored lenses, whether cheap sunglasses or specialty Irlen lenses, can help with visual problems such as flickering and glare from lights, pc screens, and printed paper.
  
• Change the color in the background of your pc screen.
  
• Flat screens and laptops are far less taxing on autistic or sensitive eyes than old-fashioned monitors. Ask to switch if you have the old style.
  
• Hyperfocus in a setting rather then taking everything in all at once.
  
• Hang pictures in your workspace or locker of whatever appeals to you, e.g., a calming nature scene, photos of happy times, or pics of your dog.
  
• Have a bag of tactile tricks; things that appeal to your senses and calm you: e.g., squishy toys; a smooth rock; velvet, or a piece of fur; a rubber ball underneath your feet or between your knees that you can squeeze.
  
• Smell is a powerful sense that can evoke emotion. Bring flowers to work. Incense or candles might be off-limits in your workplace but there are flameless candles, potpourri, and perfumed sachets you can use instead. Those tend to be artificial, but there are spray mists made from essential oils such as lavender that contain no chemicals. You can find them in your health food store or the organic aisle in the supermarket.
  
• Get creative with your sensory breaks. Go to the restroom, close the door, turn off the lights, put your hands under hot water. Step outside for fresh air.
  
• At home or in your off-time: bathe in the dark, get deep pressure massages, whatever it takes to de-stress.
  
• Bring a massage pad for your chair.
  
• Ask for a desk away from heating or AC vents.
  
• Keep your own body as healthy as you can; get as much fresh air and exercise in your off-time as possible.
  
• Keep layers of clothing available to keep your body temperature in its comfort zone.
  
• You could get a doctor’s note, but be warned: One person interviewed got such a note from her doctor saying she needed accommodations such as fresh air and quiet, but her employer ignored it. These types of accommodations may seem difficult and petty to those who don’t share your sensory issues.
  
• How
  you ask for something is often more of a factor in whether or not you get it than why. Increase your chance of being heard by being tactful: ask for what you need in a positive way, or your requests will be seen as complaints rather than as something rational and logical.
  

• Daylight and fresh air are basic human needs and just good common sense.
  
• At least open the blinds if you can’t open the windows. According to a report prepared by the US Dept. of Energy (2002), “The comforting space and connection to the environment (from daylight) provides benefits as significant as the energy savings.”
  
• Install full-spectrum fluorescent lights, the only electric light that includes the color blue in its spectrum. They cost more to purchase and to use than compact FLs but the benefits in terms of health and productivity should more than offset the cost. Think fewer sick days and an overall improvement in attitude.
  
• Regularly get your HVAC systems checked for mold and bacteria.
  
• To decrease energy bills and increase the energy and well-being of staff, obey inherent seasonal changes in temperature,.
  
• Allow the AS employee to have their own space with some control over their environment.
  
• If you are in the market for a re-decoration or are looking for a new space, keep the health of your employees in mind. Chemical-free furniture and fabrics are out there if you ask for them.
  

Using the previous two chapters, formulate a specific plan for minimizing visual, auditory, and physical sensory issues to improve your work life.

I
nternal motivation
is what will drive a person with AS, the feeling of a job well done, more than prestige or promise of reward. Some have done jobs beneath their level of skill or for very low pay because it simply felt good to do the work. In addition, People with AS possess a
diligent, perfectionist attention to detail;
these two factors will ensure that as long as your AS employee knows what you want or need, you can trust them to do the job right.

“I like service and doing for others. I don’t like just doing anything just for a job. I have to do more, be more, and contribute more. But perhaps I should have been more conscious of choosing jobs that would actually pay more. I worked hard for very little return because it felt good.”

- SCOTT

People with Asperger’s need
clear instructions
from their supervisor. Note-taking or drawing diagrams in order to remember verbal instructions is helpful, if not crucial. An Aspergian needs to know exactly what is expected, including any hidden expectations or special conditions. They need to know when it is needed by. They flourish if they can accomplish it in their own way, and at their own speed, without being scrutinized. When asked what they needed from their boss:

“Explicit expectations with clear instructions; being able to organize my work the way I need to in order to do it. A structure within which I have the autonomy for creation.”

- ALLISON

“Clear written instruction, clear feedback, and appropriate time to review and learn things. I would need an environment that would not be so fast paced that it would feel like I am running non-stop without a breather.”

- MIA

Deadlines
are a necessary part of life and are part of the aforementioned structure, but for a person with Asperger’s there may need to be some flexibility within time frames. Sometimes a person with AS needs to think about an idea or project for a while first, before he/she tackles it. If you force them to dive into a task without giving them a chance to digest the Big Picture—where all the parts fit and what the outcome will be, they might not “get it.” As stated, people with AS have average to above-average intelligence but the pathways to comprehension are different—things that are quite difficult to others may be understood immediately, while things that are obvious to non-autistics may take longer for the AS person to comprehend.

While some of us can multi-task, many cannot, and need to apply systematic focus:

“I can handle just one task at a time and need enough time to get used to the routine (if there is one).”

- BRIAN

Down-time
is necessary to proper functioning. There are times that an Aspergian needs to tune out both the outside world and the thoughts in their own head. In other words, do nothing. Because of sensory issues, people with AS need to stop, or limit, sensory input from time to time. This can be accomplished through periodic breaks throughout the day, in constructive use of time spent out of work, or in flexibility from the employer as to when and where the employee works.

Being trusted vs. being scrutinized
impacts a person’s confidence and social skills. Trying to relate to customers and coworkers is easier when one is not being watched like a hawk:

“I catalogued ancient Native American artifacts. I worked alone, I could go outside, I could set my own hours/pace, and I was trusted to do the work well. Heaven! On my own I can do things that make me feel smart and capable. I fall apart under the stares of judges.”

- ALLISON

“Bosses do not seem to trust my abilities. They seem to pass judgment upon me based on something other than my performance. The less they trust me, the less I like working with them. The less I like working with them, the less they trust me. It becomes a death spiral.”

- HUMPHREY, BS, UNEMPLOYED

Depending on the type of business or the type of position that the Asperger employee occupies, an employer should consider the possibility of allowing them to telecommute. With modern technology, many jobs can now be done from home. While this might be something the employer has not considered before, with traffic, the price of gas, the cost of office space, and energy bills, there has been a strong trend among larger corporations to allow some workers to telecommute (Fawcett 2004).

“Plenty of the work that I do can be done from home. With faxes, phones, internet, etc., there is almost no need to have an office for some businesses.”

- DR. G

If there are concerns that an employee would not be doing his job, there should be solid evidence to show whether or not this is the case: tasks/projects/etc., will either be done or not. But that would likely not be an issue where an AS employee is concerned:

“I often spend a great deal of time to get things perfect, and the extra time is often uncompensated. I just love it. Also, I don’t have to deal with co-workers and I control the environment. I turn on some music, go to work and sometimes five hours will go by and I will think it was only one hour.”

- WALTER

It would also be ideal if a person with Asperger’s could work
when
they want if there is no need to force them to work within a strict timeframe (e.g., nine-to-five). While there is still not a lot of research on this, it is believed that many people with AS suffer from
sleep apnea:
difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and keeping regular sleeping hours. While sleep disorders are not confined to the spectrum population, those on the spectrum seem likely to
have them (three out of four interviewed for this book). Flexible working arrangements (FWAs) regarding either hours or working from home at least some of the time would ensure that they could stay productive: