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Have you ever worked with anyone who’s on the spectrum? I mean, maybe it’s a spectrum, right? There’s a breadth of experiences to be on.
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People don’t look autistic, even if they are, and even if they were, they may not necessarily know due to late diagnoses. These are generally hard things to talk about, let alone in a professional context like a workplace.
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Fortunately, our next speaker is well placed to give us an insight. She was diagnosed with autism 15 years ago and majored in psychology to learn more about it. Rhiana is a front-end developer focused on accessible UX and design. She has a background in educational psychology and made the move to programming ten years ago after attending a Rails and Stormfest.
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She certainly doesn't look autistic, but can she pair? She says that the main consideration with pair programming and autism is navigating different communication styles. Autistic people tend to be very direct and may remain silent when processing information as opposed to the little 'ums' and 'uhs' that a neurotypical person might say while thinking.
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We all have a bit of that spectrum in us. Now, to tell us more, please welcome Rhiana Heppenstall, with her talk "But, You Don't Look Autistic"!
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Oh, thank you very much for that introduction. I’ve been really excited to speak at RubyConf the last few years. I’ve seen many wonderful neurodivergent talks about ADHD and dyslexia, and I thought, why not autism? This is something I have been learning about and researching for the last 20 years or so, ever since my youngest sibling was diagnosed with autism at the age of four when I was 16.
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At that time, we had no idea what autism was or what it looked like. Nobody had any clear answers for us. This prompted my journey to university, where I became a lifelong learner about autism. Today, I will provide you with a nice introduction to autism, including how it’s diagnosed, some symptoms, and some of the myths and stereotypes associated with it.
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Part of my talk will focus on debunking these myths and stereotypes. I named this talk "But, You Don’t Look Autistic" because this is a common phrase I hear when I tell people I’m autistic.
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When I share my diagnosis, they often respond with, "But you don't look autistic." This statement, while often intended as a compliment, made me think: why don’t I look autistic? I started reflecting on what it means to look autistic.
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As I pondered this, I came across a quote that resonated with me: "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." It truly is a spectrum, and autistic individuals can present their traits in various ways.
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It’s also important to note that many people may have autism but remain unaware of their diagnosis. Additionally, there are many co-diagnoses that can exist alongside autism, such as ADHD, Tourette's, and OCD.
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In the media, we often see stereotypes about autism that can be harmful. My first exposure to autism in the media was through the film "Rain Man," which features an autistic savant. A savant is someone who has exceptional abilities in one area but may struggle in others.
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Stereotypes suggest that autistic individuals can be excellent at math or other skills but have significant difficulties in social contexts. This portrayal often resolves around echoing phrases and repetitive movements, which are merely surface-level stereotypes.
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We must also consider how these representations shape perceptions of autism. There’s a tendency in media representations to depict someone who is intellectually gifted yet struggles in social settings.
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Historically, figures such as Einstein, Isaac Newton, and Mozart have been speculated to have had autism. Most notably, these historical narratives often focus on white men who were brilliant at specific things.
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These types of stereotypes can be quite damaging. If an individual does not fit into the typical mold of what an autistic person looks like, it may cause them to feel that perhaps they do not belong and that they don’t have autism. This misunderstanding can create significant barriers in terms of getting diagnosed and obtaining treatment.
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Being actually autistic can mean many things that diverge from the more common stereotypes. For instance, one prevalent myth is that autistic individuals lack empathy. This misconception persists despite the fact that autistic people do indeed have emotions and can feel empathy.
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The difference lies in how they demonstrate that empathy within social interactions. Communication styles can vary greatly across neurodivergent individuals. It's crucial to understand that autistic individuals may exhibit empathy differently than neurotypical people.
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Now let's delve into the actual symptoms of autism. In the past, diagnosing autism involved scoring a person against a 50-point checklist; you needed to obtain a specific score to be diagnosed.
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Now, we have a more nuanced understanding of autism through tools like the Autistic Wheel, which illustrates a wide range of symptoms that can manifest in varying degrees.
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For example, someone might have a strong fixation on a specific interest. For me, that interest happens to be autism itself. Others might be fixated on art, dinosaurs, or any other number of things.
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There are also symptoms like noise sensitivity, light sensitivity, or food sensitivity. Many autistic people have restrictive diets related to their sensory sensitivities.
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Moreover, you might see stimming behaviors, which are actions like fidgeting that help manage anxiety. Eye contact is another area that can present on a spectrum—some people excel at it while others struggle.
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If all of this feels overwhelming, let me provide some comic relief: I am convinced that cats can exhibit autism-like traits as well. My cat and I have a strict routine and a specific diet. Just like autistic individuals, both my cat and I dislike when our routines get disrupted.
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When we discuss the strengths and weaknesses associated with autism, we acknowledge that individuals often possess high attention to detail—this can be advantageous while working.
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Additionally, autistic individuals may have issues interpreting figurative language, leading to misunderstandings in communication. In workplace settings, it’s essential to be precise and direct to mitigate any miscommunication.
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Additionally, many autistic individuals exhibit strong loyalty and a strong sense of justice, making them excellent advocates for fairness.
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However, autistic people may find it difficult to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, which can affect communication and social interactions.
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When we speak about the causes of autism, the short answer is that we’re still not sure. Many studies have indicated a genetic component, as autism is highly heritable. Women, in particular, are often diagnosed later in life.
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There’s also considerable research focusing on brain structures and possible differences in mirror neurons, which autistic individuals may struggle with. Other theories focus on in utero conditions and parent age.
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It is critical to highlight that vaccination does not cause autism. This myth originated from a discredited study and has been debunked multiple times.
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Another common myth is that all autistic individuals are savants or geniuses, which is misleading. While savantism is rare—less than 1%—most autistic individuals may face challenges, such as co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
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It is essential to understand that autism is not a ‘male disorder.’ Due to societal biases, many girls with autism are misdiagnosed or diagnosed much later in life.
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This can lead to damaging repercussions, such as inadequate access to support or treatment. It is vital that research and diagnostics be inclusive of all genders.
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To help support those with autism, we must acknowledge that there are many treatment options available, although there is no specific medication for autism itself.
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Instead, we focus on early detection and intervention, with various therapies and support systems tailored to individual strengths and weaknesses.
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From an employment standpoint, the unemployment rate for autistic individuals is far higher than for those without disabilities, highlighting the need for inclusive workplaces.
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Participating in the job market can be particularly challenging due to social and communication barriers. Organizations that focus on helping individuals with disabilities gain employment can make a significant difference.
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The NDIS plays a pivotal role in providing funding to support children with autism in schools, and job access initiatives improve understanding and inclusivity within organizations.
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It is also essential to dispel harmful stereotypes about autistic individuals regarding their sociability. Many people assume that autistic individuals are anti-social, which can lead to inadequate support for social development.
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Autistic individuals can engage in meaningful social interactions, even if it may not look the same as interactions between neurotypical individuals. For example, many autistic people excel at parallel play.
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In workplace settings, inclusivity and sensitivity to diverse communication styles can help foster appropriate connections.
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Providing a structured onboarding and mentoring process can help autistic employees feel supported and understood. Clear communication is key.
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Understanding that accommodations may be necessary is vital; for example, some autistic employees may benefit from flexible working conditions that allow them to manage sensory overload.
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Clearly defining roles and offering predictable routines can create stability and comfort for autistic individuals in the workplace. Opportunity for mentorship can also improve outcomes.
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Lastly, offering optional social engagements can allow individuals to participate at their comfort level, which is crucial for everyone’s wellbeing.
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However, it's vital to prevent burnout, as autistic individuals may push themselves to meet expectations at the risk of mental health.
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Masking, or hiding one’s true self, is common in social situations and can lead to exhaustion. Building a workplace culture where individuals can be true to themselves ultimately enhances productivity.
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In conclusion, fostering an inclusive and accepting environment is paramount for everyone in a workplace. Asking individuals about their needs and implementing accommodations proactively can promote belonging and respect.
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Accepting that people may need to express themselves differently, whether through stimming or other methods, can enrich workplace diversity and improve morale.
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Thank you all for listening!
