How to Work with Colleagues with Autism & ADHD We're strategic data-led eCommerce SEO specialists

@5minutesnippets What are some key things to know?

@5minutesnippets #1. There is gender bias in diagnostic criteria for these conditions.

@5minutesnippets #2. People socialised as female with ASD/ADHD mask and camouflage.

@5minutesnippets

@5minutesnippets #4. Co-occurring conditions is very common causing misdiagnosis.

@5minutesnippets #5. Some individuals have less obvious repetitive behaviours.

@5minutesnippets #6. There is often a misinterpretation of social difficulties.

@5minutesnippets How can you create an Inclusive Workplace?

Promote Open Communication #1 @5minutesnippets

Encourage Understanding #2 @5minutesnippets

Provide Flexibility in Work Arrangements #3 @5minutesnippets

Provide Accessible Communication Tools #4 @5minutesnippets

Provide Sensory Friendly Workspaces #5 @5minutesnippets

Provide Training and Awareness Programmes #6 @5minutesnippets

@5minutesnippets What are some Communication Strategies you should use with the AuDHD colleagues?

Use clear and explicit instructions. #1 @5minutesnippets Wrong Instruction Right Instruction Please complete a blog audit for X client. Please complete a blog audit for x client.. The audit itself should take you a max of 4 hours. If you have to do any learning and development or training for this please let me know or if you are self training, track your time in training. The blog audit needs to be a date range of the last year and include: organic sessions, number of keywords each page is ranking for, clicks and impressions as well as revenue if it’s relevant for each blog. Once you have this data, you need to: ● Identify which blogs to re-optimise ● Identify which blogs to get rid of

Minimise sensory overload. #2 Idea Description Open Communication Encourage discussions about sensory sensitivities, triggers, and preferences with autistic colleagues. Sensory-Friendly Workspace Create a workspace with neutral colors, noise-canceling headphones, and soft lighting. Quiet Spaces Designate quiet areas free from distractions and sensory triggers for relaxation and recharge. Flexible Work Arrangements Offer adjustable work hours and remote work options to accommodate sensory needs. Noise Control Implement noise reduction measures like acoustic panels, rugs, and quiet zones. Clear Communication Use written communication, visual aids, and clear instructions to enhance understanding. Sensory-Friendly Meetings Plan meetings with agendas, minimal distractions, and opportunities for breaks if needed. Sensory-Friendly Tools Provide ergonomic furniture, noise-cancelling headsets, and adjustable lighting. Sensory Awareness Training Conduct training to promote understanding and empathy among team members. Sensory-Friendly Events Organize team events and activities in sensory-friendly venues with advance notices. Accommodation Policies Ensure clear accommodation policies and encourage colleagues to request accommodations. Empathy and Respect Cultivate a culture of empathy and respect for diverse sensory needs among team members. Sensory Breaks Allow for short sensory breaks during the workday to manage overload and enhance well-being.

Use visual aids and written communication. #3 Workplace Scenario Visual Supports Examples of Visual Aids Interview or Trial Work Experience Visual Schedule - A schedule with pictures or symbols outlining the agenda. - Social Story explaining what to expect. Transportation to and from the Job Visual Schedule - A visual schedule showing steps from home to work. - Visual map with landmarks and directions. Preparation for the Job Job Task Cards - Step-by-step task cards with visual instructions. - Videos or pictures demonstrating job tasks. Preparation for the Job Visual Supports for Training - Visual demonstrations of job duties and expectations. - Visual checklist for daily preparation. Initial Days/Weeks of the Job Visual Schedule - Daily routines and job tasks outlined visually. - Visual cues for workplace rules and norms. Initial Days/Weeks of the Job Visual Rules and Expectations - Visual reminders of workplace rules and expectations. - Visual support person cues for communication. Changes in the Workplace Visual Announcements - Notices with visuals to inform about workplace changes. - Transition supports with visuals. Changes in the Workplace Visual Supports for Transition - Visual aids to ease individuals into new routines. Ongoing Supports Visual Reminders - Continued use of visual schedules and reminders. - Visual cues for social interactions. Ongoing Supports Email Communication - Email as a written communication tool for clarity. Ongoing Supports Visual Supports for Social Interaction - Visual cues or cards to assist in social interactions.

Help us set clear priorities at the beginning of each week. #4 Tool How can you use it? Project Management Software Ensure that things you want us to do are in the project management software because we may forget what you said to us. Briefing Ensure you have given us our briefs ahead of time in case we need to process or we have questions. Estimate Our Time for Us We may struggle estimating time. If you tell us how long it should take - the parameters of the time estimate can help us meet that time. Be strict. If we are slow - give us tips to speed up. Be Specific with Deadlines All deadlines should be final to keep us from procrastinating. Help us Remove Priorities Ask us for a list of our priorities and tell us which things are not a priority if we are having difficulty.

Use concise and structured communication. #5 @5minutesnippets https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance /topics/communication/tips

@5minutesnippets PLEASE USE MEETING AGENDAS and send them ahead of time to give us time to process the information.

Provide regular feedback and actions with clear examples of issues and improvement. #6 @5minutesnippets Area of Improvement Constructive Feedback Time Management - "I've noticed that you sometimes struggle with meeting deadlines. To improve your time management, consider setting specific goals and deadlines for each task and use tools like calendars or task lists to help you stay organized." - "It's important to prioritize tasks effectively. Try categorizing your tasks into 'urgent,' 'important,' and 'nice to have' to allocate your time more efficiently." - "Consider using alarms or reminders on your phone or computer to help you stay on track with your schedule." Account Management - "In your account management role, it's crucial to keep accurate records of client interactions and transactions. Double-check your entries to ensure accuracy." - "When managing accounts, maintain clear and organized documentation. Create a system or checklist to track your progress and ensure nothing is missed." - "If you're uncertain about any account details or procedures, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or additional training." Client Communication - "Effective communication with clients is key. Always be attentive and listen actively to their needs and concerns." - "When communicating with clients, it's important to provide clear and concise information. Avoid jargon or technical terms if they might be confusing." - "If you find face-to-face or phone conversations challenging, consider using written communication like email to ensure clarity and accuracy." - "Take notes during client meetings to help you remember important details and action items."

Do not use the feedback sandwich method when giving constructive feedback. #7 Feedback Challenge Explanation Difficulty Processing Mixed Messages Autistic individuals prefer clear and direct communication, making it challenging for them to interpret the mixed messages in a feedback sandwich format. Lack of Clarity Reading nonverbal cues and social nuances can be difficult for autistic individuals, and the feedback sandwich relies on implied or indirect communication. Dishonesty The feedback sandwich can lead to insincere feedback if positive comments are included solely to balance negative feedback, potentially eroding trust. Focus on Negativity The sandwich technique may draw more attention to negative feedback, making it seem more significant, whereas straightforward feedback is often preferred. Overemphasis on Praise Excessive positive feedback in the sandwich can dilute the impact of constructive criticism, which may not be as effective for autistic individuals. Inconsistent Messages Autistic individuals thrive on consistency and clarity, and receiving feedback in varying formats can create confusion and uncertainty. Preference for Specific Feedback Autistic individuals benefit from detailed, specific feedback to understand what they did well and areas where they need improvement.

Understand our tone of voice and know it’s okay to let us know if we’ve interrupted. #8 @5minutesnippets

@5minutesnippets If we interrupt you… simply say… Hey “name”, I wasn’t finished speaking yet give x more minutes and then you can speak. (It’s not rude to an Autistic person. We will not get mad.)

Understand why we ask direct questions and respond to statements in the way we do. #9 Motive Explanation Information Gathering Autistic individuals often ask questions to seek clarity, obtain factual details, or enhance their understanding of a topic. Their questions reflect a genuine desire to learn. Directness The direct and straightforward communication style of autistic individuals is not intended to be rude but is driven by a preference for clear and efficient communication. Honesty Autistic individuals value honesty and authenticity in their interactions, so their questions may lack flattery or euphemisms, focusing on sincerity and truthfulness. Avoiding Ambiguity Questions from individuals with ASD aim to reduce ambiguity and ensure clarity, addressing their discomfort with uncertainty or vagueness. Expressing Interest Questions can also serve as a means of expressing genuine interest in a subject or topic, despite the absence of typical social expressions of interest. Problem-Solving Autistic individuals may use questions to facilitate problem-solving or troubleshooting, seeking to identify solutions or address issues efficiently.

@5minutesnippets Communication Category Description Perceived Challenge Some neurotypical individuals may interpret the asking of additional questions or the presentation of facts as a challenge to their knowledge or viewpoint, even when it is not intended as such. This can lead to them perceiving the autistic person as defensive. Social Norms Neurotypical individuals often adhere to social norms that prioritize smooth, reciprocal, and concise communication. When an autistic person diverges from these norms by providing extensive information or asking many questions, it can be seen as unconventional or even confrontational. Lack of Emotional Expression or Overwhelming Emotion Autistic individuals may have difficulty expressing their emotions or intentions in ways that neurotypical individuals easily understand. This can lead to misunderstandings, with NTs interpreting an autistic person's behavior as defensive when, in reality, they may be seeking clarification or expressing genuine curiosity. Sensory Overload Autistic individuals may experience sensory sensitivities that can impact their communication style. When overwhelmed, they may resort to more direct or focused communication, which NTs might misinterpret as defensive or curt. Miscommunication of Intentions Autistic individuals may struggle to convey their intentions accurately through non-verbal cues or tone of voice. Without these typical social cues, NTs might misinterpret the autistic person's intentions and emotions in a conversation. Autistic people are often called “rude” and “defensive”. This is not uncommon - but we are not being this way intentionally, your NT social norms have deemed our behaviour in this way..

@5minutesnippets We will never ask you questions for these reasons - don’t assume that is what we are doing. Negative Questioning Technique Description Challenges for Autistic Individuals Leading Questions Questions that manipulate or coerce someone into giving a specific desired response. Difficulty in using manipulative tactics, as autistic individuals often prefer direct and honest communication. Interrogation Aggressive or accusatory questioning used to intimidate or make someone uncomfortable. May struggle with aggressive communication styles and prefer more neutral or calm interactions. Sarcasm Use of sarcastic questions to mock or ridicule someone, potentially causing hurt and undermining communication. Challenges in using sarcasm due to difficulty in recognizing and conveying sarcasm effectively. Loaded Questions Questions with underlying assumptions or biases designed to corner the person into a specific response. Difficulty in constructing loaded questions because of a preference for clarity and precision in communication. Gaslighting Questions that make someone doubt their own perception of reality or manipulate them into questioning their thoughts or experiences. Typically not a preferred or ethical communication style for many autistic individuals. Belittling Questions Questions that belittle or demean someone, often used as a form of humiliation. May avoid using belittling questions as it goes against their preference for respectful communication. Defensive Questions Responding to criticism with questions that deflect responsibility or blame onto the other person. Difficulty in using defensive questions because it may not align with their communication style. Cross-Examination Treating a conversation like a courtroom cross-examination, aiming to catch the other person in contradictions or inconsistencies rather than seeking understanding. May not find the confrontational nature of cross-examination suitable for their communication style. Undermining Confidence Questions designed to undermine someone's confidence or self-esteem, often in a condescending manner. Autistic individuals may avoid undermining confidence as they tend to value positive and respectful interactions. Gossiping Questions Invasive or prying questions about someone's personal life, used to spread rumors or gather information to use against them. Autistic individuals may find gossiping questions inappropriate or uncomfortable due to their preference for factual and respectful communication.

Understand what masking looks like for us. #10 @5minutesnippets

@5minutesnippets These are reasons and events we are most likely to mask in.

@5minutesnippets What are the Benefits of working with Neurodivergent staff?

@5minutesnippets #1 Diverse Skill Sets

@5minutesnippets #2 Different Perspectives

@5minutesnippets #3 Attention to Detail

@5minutesnippets #4 Passion and Dedication

@5minutesnippets #5 Creativity and Innovation

@5minutesnippets #6 Increased Productivity

@5minutesnippets #7 Dedication to Routine

@5minutesnippets #8 Positive Team Dynamics

@5minutesnippets #9 Improved Problem Solving

@5minutesnippets #10 Demonstrating Inclusivity

@5minutesnippets #11 Legal and Ethical Compliance

@5minutesnippets Tips for Neurodiverse Team Members - Because yes, we can be better too.

@5minutesnippets Your colleagues can’t help you if you don’t help yourself. There are things we can do to meet in the middle.

@5minutesnippets You should be checking with your manager / team what your priorities are. Add a calendar reminder each day to find out.

@5minutesnippets Just because someone asked you to do something doesn’t mean it needs to be done now. Always ask to double check.

@5minutesnippets You should use alarms and timers to remind you when you have meetings.

@5minutesnippets You should always ask for clarification before starting a task to ensure you don’t waste time / haven’t misinterpreted instruction.

@5minutesnippets Step 1: Take the Systemizing Quotient and the ASRS-5 or this assessment. Step 2: Request a test via NHS (or go private). Step 3: Speak to an affordable Autism & ADHD specialised therapist who can help you before and after your test results.

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