Autism Awareness Day is celebrated in the United States on April 2.
In this sense, the Child Mind Institute explains that people who suffer from this disease have less chance of entering or being introduced into professional spaces. In addition, it highlights that they face daily challenges to be understood and perform the required tasks in the most efficient way possible.
That is why our text today and in commemoration of this date, we talk a little more about this disorder for those who do not know it, as well as for those who suffer from it and suffer some type of abuse or harassment in their workplaces.
Continue reading and educate yourself about it!
What is autism?
Autism is a developmental cognitive disorder that affects behavior and communication. People with autism may have difficulty communicating, socializing, and learning. Furthermore, autism has a broad spectrum of manifestations, which means that symptoms can vary in intensity and presentation in different people.
People with autism may have difficulty understanding not only social norms or conventions, but also emotions and nonverbal social cues, such as eye contact or body gestures. On the other hand, they may have restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, as well as difficulties in processing and filtering the sensory information that is transmitted to them or that is transmitted through media such as television, radio, etc.
It is important to bear in mind that autism is not a disease, but, as we have already mentioned, a cognitive disorder which makes it difficult to process the information received and the way in which the individual relates to the world.
At the same time, people with autism can develop unique skills and talents with the right professional and family support, making them as successful in the workplace and in life as anyone else with cognitive abilities. or regular learning.
However, it is necessary to understand that these human beings can also be vulnerable to harassment and discrimination in the workplace, so it is crucial to create inclusive work environments to prevent workplace harassment of this type.
How does autism bullying manifest itself?
Workplace harassment is a serious crime, which must be reported and not normalized. However, it can be even more difficult to cope if you are a person with autism, since they are often discriminated against or cruelly treated due to their inability to give immediate answers or present optimal results in the established time.
In this sense, the frequent manifestations of this type of treatment are:
- Teasing
- Insults
- Threats
- Social exclusion in the work environment
People with autism have difficulties reading or understanding social cues, which is why they may not realize that they are being directly harassed or discriminated against on many occasions.
In other cases, they may be aware that they are being harassed, but do not know how to respond or ask for help from their employers, company for which they work, authorities, etc.
It is important to highlight the importance of employers and colleagues in this regard within the professional environment, since the more they educate themselves on this subject and are attentive to any signs of workplace bullying towards people with autism, the better the social interaction between employees. coworkers.
How to help
Likewise, it is important that colleagues and employers take immediate measures to stop these actions once they are exposed. Actions that may be taken could include:
- Talking to the bully
- Offer support and guidance to the person affected and suffering from autism
- Create inclusive policies and practices that foster a work environment that is respectful and tolerant for all
By taking active steps to prevent workplace bullying in general, work environments can become more equal and fair for people with autism or who have similar or other disabilities.
Therefore, if you are a victim of some type of discrimination or harassment, motivated by your cognitive disorder, it is necessary that you seek help and support from your co-workers and family members; In this way it will be easier to issue your complaint effectively to the authorities or consult a lawyer so that he can better guide you on your case and offer you options to improve your employment situation with respect to the conflict you are experiencing in said environment.
Remember that if you found our text useful, you can share it or discuss it with your friends or co-workers to continue working in more equal and inclusive work spaces for everyone within the state of California.
