There’s no question that employees diagnosed with autism can greatly contribute to the workplace. For example, they might have an exceptional eye for detail or be able to focus intensely on a task for long periods. However, like all employees, they sometimes need extra support to excel. Here are some tips to help you be an effective manager of autistic employees & help them excel in the workplace:

Get to know your autistic employee

Just like any other employee, each individual with autism is unique and will have their own set of strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Don’t assume that all employees with autism are the same; some may be more introverted, while others may be more extroverted. The best way to find out what makes your autistic employee tick is to ask them directly. Once you better understand your employee’s individual quirks and preferences, you can adjust your management style accordingly.

Create a structured environment

Imagine how chaotic and overwhelming it would be if you didn’t know what would happen each day at work. For autistic employees, this can be an especially tough reality since many of them thrive on routine and structure. To help your autistic employee feel more comfortable and excel in the workplace, try to create as much structure as possible. That means having a clear and concise daily schedule that your employee can reference as needed. It also means being consistent with rules and expectations; if you need your employee to be on time for work each day, ensure you’re always holding them accountable to that standard.

Encourage social interaction

While some employees with autism may prefer to work alone, create an open and inclusive work environment where they feel comfortable socialising when they want to. This could mean having regular coffee breaks, team lunches, happy hours, or simply encouraging employees to take breaks throughout the day. Autistic employees who feel like they have a strong support system are more likely to excel and be productive employees. Whatever you do, make sure you’re not forcing your autistic employee to interact socially if they aren’t comfortable doing so.

Be patient and understanding

Autistic employees may sometimes need extra patience and understanding from their managers. Please don’t engage in an altercation with an employee with autism; instead, try to calmly and rationally explain what they did wrong and why it wasn’t acceptable. Often, employees with autism will be more than happy to comply once they understand what is expected of them.

Provide feedback regularly

All employees need regular feedback to do their best work, but this is especially true for autistic employees. Ensure you’re providing feedback often and that it’s specific, objective, and actionable. For example, rather than simply telling your employee that they did a good job, explain what specifically they did that you liked and why it was effective. This type of feedback will help your autistic employee understand what is expected of them and how to best meet those expectations.

While managing autistic employees can sometimes be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding. By taking the time to know your employees, creating a structured environment, encouraging social interaction, and being patient and understanding, you can help them excel in the workplace. And when they do well, your whole team will benefit.