Covid brought us many things. Most of them were devastating: illness, death, extreme isolation. The inability to see anyone outside our bubble. But one thing Covid also brought us was an ability to work remotely. This was a transformative opportunity for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Remote work offers flexibility and reduces sensory overload, This, in turn, creates a more inclusive and empowering work environment for neurodiverse individuals. Let's explore how remote work opportunities can be beneficial for individuals on the spectrum and the employer as well. After all, inclusion is the name of the game.

1. Reducing social anxiety

   The bottom line is this— social interaction can be rough, especially on the autism spectrum. It can absolutely bring about anxiety, which leads to all sorts of other mental and physical health problems. The ability to work remotely doesn’t take away all social anxiety. After all, we still need to communicate and sometimes, like it or not, that just brings about anxiety. But working remotely does allow means for communication that can be easier than the face to face option.

2. Your work environment is a reflection of you

   Maybe that means a laptop on the bed with the dog laying next to you. Maybe you work at the kitchen table or sprawled out on the sofa. What matters is that it is where you are comfortable. The lighting is right. The noise level is right. The things that make you feel comfortable in your environment also make you more productive. And it’s not just about what you surround yourself with for someone on the spectrum, but also what you can avoid. Many people, for example, require extreme focus without the phone ringing a cubicle over and the water cooler banter in the distance. Remember, being on the spectrum means your brain takes in information differently. For those not on the spectrum, imagine information coming in where the smell of someone’s cologne is vying to be just as important as the code you are creating, where an overheard phone call competes with the person talking directly to you. Having the capacity to create your own environment brings back a work capacity that some of us have been failing to acknowledge for too long now.

3. Geographical barriers are reduced

   Often, it is not necessary to live in the area you work in these days. There are many opportunities for employment that do not require you to even live in the same time zone. This opens up possibilities for employment opportunities that were never accessible before. In another sense, it also opens up the possibility for someone who does not drive to hold a job. Many autistic adults do not have a license. Autism is a global delay and it affects people in all different ways. Getting rid of geographical barriers opens up the world for so many adults on the spectrum.

4. Better work-life balance

   Having more flexibility in the work environment can definitely be a stress reducer. Eliminating the commute and having the ability to balance the personal/professional life are all beneficial. Not needing to mask to fit in socially all day, and being able to manage energy levels and work at optimal moments is all crucial for an autistic brain. This contributes to overall well-being and job satisfaction.

Remote work opportunities are truly a game changer for individuals on the spectrum. This flexibility allows individuals to thrive and contribute to the workforce in a productive way. The employer wins too. They have a productive employee that contributes to the bottom line. And isn’t that what everyone wants? A win-win!