Most of us encounter difficulty sleeping every now and then. However, if you regularly have problems sleeping at night or wake up feeling exhausted, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder. Sleep problems for autistic adults can be especially common. In this article by Reese Jones, we share some practical strategies on how to...
One of the key elements of a successful employment program for autistic individuals is job coaching. Coaching enhances employment success by ensuring greater job satisfaction, increased productivity, and in the long term, greater employee retention. — It is widely acknowledged that increasing the diversity of workforces leads to positive outcomes. McKinsey’s Diversity Matters report has...
Networking – it’s a word that has provoked strong emotion, from being a “bloody nightmare” to sending a “cold chill” down people’s spines. But what does networking mean for the autistic professional trying to get ahead in their career? I decided to ask autistic professionals directly about this topic, focusing on these five questions: Do...
All around the world, there are hundreds of autistic people working in professional, white-collar jobs. Some may have disclosed their autism. Some may choose to hide their autism at work, otherwise known as “masking”. Given the diversity of the autism spectrum, I decided to ask autistic professionals directly about their experiences thriving or masking at...
Working from home (WFH) during COVID-19 has both advantages and disadvantages for autistic professionals. And someone who has thrived during the new normal is Sydney-based Maria, a quality assurance (QA) tester at Mable, the digital portal that links carers and supports people with those who need them.
By Barb Cook, M.Aut., Dip. HSc. (used with permission) Workplace social skills. These words strike fear into the soul of any autistic person. I know this, because I am one of those people. I’ve had a tumultuous employment past, prior to my official diagnosis of Asperger syndrome (autism), ADHD and dyslexia in 2009. I never...
By Barb Cook, M.Aut., Dip. HSc. (used with permission) Information and technology (IT) has boomed over the past 30 years and become an integral part of the modern developed world. Employment opportunities in IT exploded alongside this growth and created pathways for autistic people in finding job security in an industry that has been stigmatized...
By Barb Cook, M.Aut., Dip. HSc. (used with permission) Neurodivergent people often experience challenges in exercising skills associated with self-determination and self-advocacy Being pinnacle life skills that drive their success in education, employment, independence and within society, with the right supports, tools and strategies, they can develop high levels of self-determination, providing a firm sense...
[blockquote author=”” link=”” target=”_blank”]Coaching is a growth opportunity. To develop new skills, new ways of thinking and new strategies to overcome challenges.[/blockquote] We are often asked why our autistic candidates need coaching if they are so talented? Coaching is about thriving instead of surviving. An individual receiving coaching has the opportunity to explore who...
“Life doesn’t come with a manual; it comes with a mother.” – Unknown Mother’s Day celebrates all mothers and their unconditional love. This Mother’s Day, Xceptional would also like to salute one particular mother: Libby Walton. Libby is the mother of Tim. You might be familiar with Tim. He was a star on the first...
Xceptional acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
