Page 4 - PERFORM_MODULE_2_CONTENT

1. Introduction

In the workplace, autistic employees may benefit from support—often small changes can
make a big difference. Along with their own strengths, many autistic individuals show

outstanding abilities in areas such as focus, reliability, persistence, accuracy, attention to
detail, technical skills (like IT), factual knowledge, and memory.

If you are a manager, HR professional, or part of the hiring team, it’s important to
understand how to support autistic staff effectively. Regardless of whether an employee is

autistic or not, managers are expected to demonstrate strong soft skills. While job-specific
knowledge is essential, employees who excel tend to have additional abilities like clear

communication, teamwork, and time management. These are known as soft skills.

2. Communication Skills

Communication skills involve the ability to give and receive different types of

information clearly and respectfully. For autistic individuals, communication may differ from
neurotypical norms. Some may have difficulty with spoken language or interpreting what
others say. Others may struggle with nonverbal cues like facial expressions, gestures, or eye

contact. Social interactions can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves abstract
language, sarcasm, or knowing when to speak or listen.

For example, autistic individuals may take language literally, leading to confusion in
conversations with idioms or indirect messages. In group discussions, they might speak at

length or appear withdrawn—not due to disinterest, but because of how they process social
cues.

Due to these differences, it is important for managers to develop adaptable

communication skills. These include active speaking and listening, showing empathy, and
being aware of tone, body language, and context. Communication also varies by format—

whether in-person, over the phone, by email, or via digital platforms.

3 | P a g e

Project Number 2023-1-IT01-KA220-VET-000152721