If you find yourself working with someone with high functioning autism on some project or something, it is essential to be as clear and precise as possible when giving instructions and handing out responsibilities. Those with autism are remarkably able to focus in minute detail on things that grab their attention, and thus under the right conditions are great at getting things done. At the same time, we can have problems with generalities or instructions that require an “interpretation” of some kind.
It is imperative to remember clarity when working with those who have autism; we need clear and precise instructions that tell us what needs to be done and how. This is something that cannot be understated if a person with autism is confused about what needs to be done because the instructions were not given in a clear and precise enough way before everyone involved in a project/job goes about getting it done. The autistic person will only do what he/she understands he/she is told needs to be done. Or he/she won’t start until he gets a clear understanding and will keep trying to get it until he/she does.
The beautiful thing about those with high functioning autism when it comes to working with others is that we tend to pursue getting clear and precise instructions very thoroughly. If we do not understand something, we will seek to understand it in the best way and as quickly as possible. If something is not clear to us we seek clarity, so you usually do not need to worry about or going out of your way too much in making sure everything is clear and understood to those with autism, we will let you know if we do not and just what needs to be clarified.
Even though those with high functioning autism should be more than able to let you know if there is anything to be clarified before you and they get started on whatever it is you will be doing, that does not mean you can ultimately let the matter be. You do need to be aware of those who are autistic that you are working with. You need to know just what their individual needs are because though we are autistic and do fit a general pattern of behavior, the same can be said for you and every other human on the planet. We autistics are human too and individuals especially and thus have our own needs. While those with autism can pay attention to detail and will seek clarity and understanding when needed, we all have our different levels of detailed attention care and just what makes us focus on the aspects.
Thus, the reason for you to be acutely aware of just who you are working with if they are in any way autistic and how instructions and responsibilities are given out. As long as you do that, you will have no problem working with those who have high functioning autism, and perhaps you will even be grateful for it, for they (we) may spot issues that you and others have not.
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