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Put yourself into the eyes of someone with autism… wait that's not how that goes, metaphors are hard. As someone who grew up in an autistic house, I knew we were different, but not why and what to do about it. After stumbling through life, here's what I'd like to share about autism. Wait, shoes!

An in depth look into autism and how people with autism function in the workplace.

This talk goes through:

Personal history and experiences

* I've been diagnosed for 15 years and majored psychology at university to learn more

How autism is diagnosed including criteria and levels of autism

* Including the history of autism
* Debunking some common myths and stereotypes

Strengths and weaknesses

* Real life min/maxing

Workplace consideration and accommodations

* Asking people what they need and believing them helps everyone

I'm hoping by sharing my experiences you'll be able to gain some insight on how to help others, or yourself if you identify with what I've been saying a little too much.

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The video "But, You Don't Look Autistic" features speaker Rhiana Heppenstall at RubyConf AU 2023, emphasizing the diversity of experiences associated with autism. Heppenstall, who has a personal journey with autism and a background in psychology, seeks to illuminate the common misconceptions and stereotypes about autistic individuals, particularly in professional environments.

### Key Points Discussed:
- **Understanding Autism:** Heppenstall shares her background and motivation for understanding autism, stemming from her family's experiences.
- **Debunking Myths:** She questions the stereotype encapsulated in the phrase "You don’t look autistic," prompting conversations about the varied manifestations of autism and the importance of recognizing that many individuals may be unaware of their diagnosis.
- **Stereotypes:** The talk critiques media portrayals, such as those in films like "Rain Man," which depict autistic individuals as often socially inept or savants, failing to capture the full spectrum of autism.
- **Diagnosis and Symptoms:** Heppenstall discusses how autism is diagnosed, noting the evolution of diagnostic criteria to a more nuanced understanding that includes a wide array of symptoms, such as sensory sensitivities and communication styles.
- **Strengths and Challenges:** The speaker highlights the strengths of autistic individuals, including detail orientation and strong loyalty, while also exploring their challenges in social contexts and communication.
- **Workplace Accommodations:** The discussion points out the higher unemployment rates among autistic individuals and the need for inclusive workplace practices, such as tailored onboarding processes and facilitating open communication.
- **Social Engagement:** Heppenstall emphasizes that autistic individuals can engage socially, albeit in varying ways, and calls for workplaces to create environments that accommodate diverse social interaction styles.
- **Mental Health Considerations:** Lastly, she warns against burnout and the exhaustion caused by masking one's true self, advocating for a workplace culture that embraces authenticity.

### Conclusions:
Heppenstall concludes with a strong message about the necessity of fostering an inclusive environment that respects individual needs. She advocates for open communication and proactive accommodations, which can enhance workplace diversity and improve morale. By sharing her insights, she hopes to empower others to better understand and support both themselves and individuals on the autism spectrum.

The video serves as a call to action for workplaces to learn about and accommodate diverse communication styles and needs, ultimately leading to a more respectful and productive environment.

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