For adults with autism, work can often be a form of relief. It gives them a routine to follow and allows them to pursue their passions while earning an income.
Working out of a home office is distinctly different and it can make dealing with the signs of autism in adults a bit more challenging. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make it feel more normal. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you find yourself having to work from home for extended lengths of time.
Stick to a Routine
You normally get up at a specific time to get ready for work. Don’t change that habit while you’re working from home. Set your alarm for the normal time and follow the same morning routine you would during a normal workweek. If that means going for a walk before settling into your job, continue to go for the walk. If you listen to a specific morning radio show on the drive to work, play it in your house. This will help you feel like your routine is less disrupted.
Mimic Your Workplace’s Environment
You won’t ever be able to duplicate the way your office feels. However, you can come close. Think about the things you have at your desk or at your workplace that help you feel productive and incorporate those into your home office. The more you can mimic that environment, the easier it will be for you to focus on your work like normal.
Schedule Breaks
If you’re working from home, you won’t have a supervisor or coworker to remind you when it’s time to take a break or head to lunch. Those breaks are incredibly important and help you stay healthy and relaxed throughout the day. If you rely on your coworkers to remind you to take them throughout the day, consider setting reminders on your phone. This way, you’ll know when it’s time to go, when it’s time to work, and when the day is over without having to worry about working overtime.
Working from Home Is Still Work
If you’ve found a way to manage the signs of autism in adults at your workplace, you can expect to find working from home challenging, but doable. If you’re not sure where to start or need extra support managing the signs of autism in adults, schedule an appointment with our team.