Business offices can be overwhelming for just about anybody, but individuals on the autism spectrum often have a particularly hard time adjusting to the noise, fluorescent lights, and small talk, as well as understanding various social cues. In our lab at Northwestern, we provide internships to several individuals with autism each year in partnership with Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism at Northwestern University. The main goal of the internship is to provide a supportive, non-stressful work environment for the individual and to help them gain experience working in an office and receive training on workplace skills and etiquette. In this recent New York Times Magazine article feature, an information and communication technology consulting firm, Auticon, has made strong efforts to accommodate those on the spectrum. This article touches on examples and stories of how Auticon’s office design and style has made a positive impact on work experiences, told from Auticon employees like Ben Hirusana, Grey Patton, and many more.
