Social Skills in the Workplace

What is Autism?

• Impaired social interaction and commination are key components of this disorder

• A neurological difference in how one acts and process information.• There is an attention to limited topics of interest (in-depth)• It is a spectrum for very severe to not severe• Early intervention in childhood makes a huge difference • Increase in the number of individuals diagnosed in recent years• Many theories regarding what causes it but no concrete answers

Reading non-verbal communication is hard

• Facial expressions• Joint attention• Eye contact

What happens when you can’t read non-verbal communication?Keep talking – talk over others

What does this do to relationships?

Communication Skills

• Facial expressions are often hard for individuals with AS to read. • Being able to communicate where one does not monopolize the

conversation is important.

Role playing – social skills training – journaling – support group-using movies

Points to Consider

• Fewer friends in the workplace• People do not just outgrow their social skills challenges• We are judged by our communication skills• We tend to not be around those who cannot communicate effectively• If a person has trouble communicating, it can be a huge disadvantage

in the workplace

Common Challenges

• Black and White Thinking• Different/Odd Behaviors• Difficulty Showing Empathy • Difficulty Relating to Others• OCD• Sensory Issues – i.e. sensitive to noise• Poor Judgement• Appears Defiant at Times

Things that limit success

• Odd or unusual behavior such as talking to oneself

• Unsure how to start projects • Difficulty empathizing with thoughts

and feelings of other people• Inability to relate to or interact with

supervisors• Unable to effective work as part of a

team• Difficulty multi-tasking • Trouble seeing the big/overall picture

• Unsure how to handle unstructured time

• Writing reports is challenging • Very sensitive to feedback• Low motivation for tasks that seem

unimportant or uninteresting• Lack of manners• Reluctance to seek help/assistance

when needed

Dress and Etiquette

Representing CompanyEmployees represent their company. The way one communicates, dresses, and behaves both inside and outside the company contributes to others’ perception of the company. This is true for any work setting.

What challenges might a person on the autism spectrum face when interacting with others?What are some reasons interpersonal skills are important?

Etiquette

MannersWhen it comes to manners, ask the client if he or she is consistent at practicing good ones? Manners can be used to create positive relationships. Things that are simply such as saying please, thank you and smiling can have a huge impact. Additionally, basic manners when eating are important as well.

Dress and Etiquette

Appearance The majority of first impressions are made through appearance. Appearance has an impact on how a person performs at work. Think of your appearance as a frame; it is there only to highlight the picture. It is not just physical features, but attitude, knowledge, and potential.Influence of DressSome places of work have a dress code which is simply a policy that addresses issues such as required attire, uniforms, hairstyle, undergarments, jewelry, and shoes. It is important to also understand that some places have an unwritten dress code. Thus, you need to know what is acceptable in the workplace.It will vary depending upon the type of industry, work area and health/safety concerns. For instance, in plants they often require hard hats and steel toe shoes. If unsure about an unwritten dress code, observe what others wear. It is also important to practice good hygiene. Also, it is essential to understand whether or not the latest fads are acceptable in the workplace (ie body piercings, jewelry and tattoos). This will vary depending upon the employer. For instance, some restaurants make servers cover up any and all tattoos.

Questions to Consider when Working with a Client

• How should one dress for work?• What does your communication say about you?• What are some reasons it is important to consider what other think

and perceive about you?

It may be hard form some individuals to understand and accept that they will be judged based on their appearance and ability to effectively communicate.Conversations skills may need to be taught – role playing can be helpful

Basic Workplace Knowledge

• What is Etiquette?• What is Courtesy?• What is Respect

• Importance of Please and Thank You• What are the reasons a good Handshake is important?• What are some reasons Networking is important?• Networking Appointments – keeping them

Common Strengths of Individuals with Autism

• Excellent rote memory • Absorption of facts • Generally good at math and science skills • Rules-oriented (can be a limitation as well)• Detail-oriented • Kind hearted • Honest to a fault

Good Fit - Job

Find a job where one’s strengths can be used and limitations do not make much of a difference.

Help employers see the skills of the individual and what the person can bring to the organization.

Employers need to be aware…..

• Sensory integration problems (sensory avoidance or stimming)

• Avoidance of crowds and noise (not the same as claustrophobia)

• Difficulty recognizing deceptions • Lack of eye contact• Uncoordinated • Need to be direct

Difficulty with Implications

Statements with implications• Are you going to work on the

Copeland project today? • Steve, you are the last person

leaving today. • I feel like lunch. • We are behind schedule on the

Dylan’s job.

Direct statements • You need to work on the

Copeland Project. • Please be sure to lock up when

you leave. • I’m hungry, let’s go out for

lunch. • You are going to have to stay late

today.

State the Obvious

• Deadlines-time frames, schedules, etc.• Outcomes- what they look like, format, what is needed etc.• Behavior- dress, hygiene, appropriate conversation• Clear Expectations – no implications

Things that seem obvious to many people might not seem so obvious to someone with autism. It is important to be direct.

Questions to Consider – Working with the Client on Job Placement

• Wants to work? • Motivated to learn new skills?• Open to constructive feedback? • Willing to take responsibility for their actions/reactions? • Willing to work on issues that arise? • Committed to being on time, doing their best in everything they do,

and to make sacrifices? • Able to handle a reasonable amount of stress? • Willingness to disclose AS work-related issues

Help the Client to….

• know how personal skills, abilities, training, education, and experience relate to specific position within the company

• Identify essential functions • Are there environmental considerations of job • Identify potential functional assets and limitations • consider what accommodations are practical and reasonable for this

employer • To determine whether to disclosure or not to disclose

Assessment Areas to Consider for Placement

1. Ability to get along with co-workers/staff and customers2. Ability to follow directions 3. Ability to learn new tasks 4. Speed of work 5. Accuracy of work 6. Ability to handle frustration 7. Ability to follow safety rules8. Motivation to work9. Ability to follow complex direction

Educate Employer

• Explain what autism is and is not• Explain the need to provide the individual with autism clear

information• Explain the need that the individual with autism should have one

person providing directions• Explain that eye contact should not be required.

Help the Employer to….

• Consider allowing exemptions • from attending group gatherings • from attending "team-building" events• from speaking before a group

• Recognize that the worker may not join meal events unless they can bring their own food and drink

Accommodations…..

• The use of sunglasses, earplugs, headsets to block stimuli.

• Scent-free work areas • Allow non-disruptive "stimming" devices and other

coping behaviors in the work area. • Allow non-standard clothing if the standard issue is a

sensory irritant