Autism is a developmental condition that affects how people interact with others and experience the world. For those who are on the spectrum, autism doesn’t limit them but is simply a part of who they are. The real barrier comes instead from societal discrimination.
Discrimination against individuals on the spectrum, whether overt or subtle, can create an environment where these employees struggle to succeed, not from a lack of skill but from a lack of understanding and respect in their workplace.
How discrimination affects both employees and employers
Being born autistic often comes with its own set of challenges. You might find yourself feeling invisible and unappreciated. After all, it hurts to be looked down upon by those who don’t understand you, and discrimination can lead to adverse effects such as
- low self-esteem
- decline of quality of life
- PTSD
Discrimination against autistic employees is not only detrimental to the individuals affected but to the overall success of a company. Employers often overlook the value of neurodiversity in the workplace, wrongly equating differences in communication or sensory needs as being due to a lack of skill or unprofessionalism. This can create a toxic environment where employees feel unsupported and unwelcome.
By fostering an inclusive environment, employers can only benefit. Autistic employees often possess unique skills that, in the long run, can create a positive situation where the employees thrive and the company benefits from their expertise. However, due to workplace discrimination, they often never even got the chance to show these strengths.
Despite legal protections, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many autistic individuals continue to face discrimination that hinders their ability to thrive professionally. If you are experiencing discrimination in the workplace due to being autistic, you may want to consider legal guidance.