Autism

Symptoms and characteristics

People with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and other activities. Impairments usually exist across three main areas of functioning.

Impairments of social interaction

Impairments of social interactions include:

• aloofness and failure to develop friendships
• seeking people's company without wanting to engage in two-way social interaction such as talking
• one-sided conversation which can be repetitive, for instance, the same question or phrase repeated several times
• avoidance of eye contact
• not being able to understand social rules, for example, making socially embarrassing comments unintentionally
• difficulty understanding the motivation, perspectives or feelings of others
• increased use of non-verbal communication behaviours, such as facial expressions and gestures.

Impairments in communication

Impairments in communication include:

• difficulty in starting or initiating conversation with others
• stereotyped use of language, such as using statements that they have heard others use without understanding its meaning or purpose fully.

Restricted or repetitive interests and activities

Impairments in interests and activities include:

• interests that are excessively narrow, intense or unusual
• preferring to stick to rigid or structured routines
• difficulty coping with changes
• stereotyped and repetitive movements
• preoccupation with parts of objects.

Workplace adjustments and solutions

There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements: 

• dealing with stress and psychological demands
• interacting with others
• managing emotions at work
• learning and and applying knowledge
• reading and writing
• self care
• speech and language
• organisation and time management

Case studies and success stories

For employers and managers:

• Retail—Gain reliable staff with a productivity based wage

For job seekers and employees:

• Autism—A wage based on productivity secures the job

For service providers:

• Autism—A productivity based wage secures the job

References

Autism Association of Western Australia Inc. 2007, Autism Association of Western Australia Inc., Perth, viewed 28 February 2007, <http://www.autism.org.au>.

Autismhelp 2004, Autismhelp.info, Autismhelp, Melbourne ,viewed 28 February 2007, <http://www.autismhelp.info/main.htm>.