The art of interacting with an autistic software developer

Slides of a talk given on Djangocon Europe in Florence on 3. April 2017
Abstract here: https://2017.djangocon.eu/schedule/the-art-of-interacting-with-an-autistic-software-developer/

Transcript

1. The Art of Interacting with an Autistic Software Developer
2. Sara Peeters @Aspigirlcodes sara.peeters@89grad.ch
3. Sara Peeters @Aspigirlcodes Illustrations from Daniela Schreiters Graphic Novels @Fuchskind sara.peeters@89grad.ch
4. Every person is unique.
5. Every person is unique. autistic
6. If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met ONE person with autism. Stephen Shore
7. Autism spectrum disorder
8. Autism spectrum disorder Neurodiversity
9. Detail-oriented
10. The world is full of details
11. Hypersensitivity Sound Light Touch Smell & Taste
12. Workplace consequences Adapted lighting Headphones Home office Commute Ask what helps most
13. Creativity
14. Creativity Flexibility
15. Fabienne Sieger (fabiennesieger.com)
16. Planning, structure, routine
17. Planning, structure, routine Learning new things (yes, autistic people get bored too)
18. Planned flexibility
19. Planned flexibility
20. Planned flexibility
21. Planned flexibility
22. Workplace consequences No hotdesking Planned flexibility Structured meetings Adaptation time to new situations Ask what helps most
23. Smalltalk ahead
24. I take your questions seriously! (Each single one of them)
25. Workplace consequences Detailed information & explicit expectations Different forms of communication (written) One contact person Someone else is client interface Don’t overrate smalltalk Misunderstandings will happen Ask what helps most
26. Energy is a limited resource
27. When it gets too much This is not the best time for talking!
28. Workplace consequences Part-time work Flexible working hours Ask what helps most
29. Workplace consequences Part-time work Flexible working hours Ask what helps most
30. Not every person has to work in IT.
31. Not every person has to work in IT. autistic
33. Diagnosis
34. Diagnosis Coaching
35. Community: Giving social interaction a purpose
36. Just remember... @Aspigirlcodes sara.peeters@89grad.ch