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Things in real life that are generally inaccessible, or at least much less accessible, for autistic people.
A thread.
A thread.
1. Telephone conversation. Any situation where an actual phonecall has to be made will significantly affect the number of #autistic people who are able to access it. The more we can do things online, the better.
2. Crowds. Obviously can't be helped sometimes but if you want to make your workplace, site or area autistic-friendly, then find ways to allow #autistic people to have access without having to deal with trauma-inducing crowds.
3. Strong air fresheners and perfumes. If you have this in an office, classroom, shop, then you're limiting the number of #autistic people who will be able to access that place. Strong smells can be *intensely unpleasant* for many #autistic folks.
4. Strobe lighting. Or indeed any really intense colourful lighting. Especially if it flashes or is lots of colours at once. Throw in loud music and you've basically created an #autistic hell.
5. Banter and aggressive sarcasm. If this is a feature of your workplace, you are actively discouraging #autistic people to spend time there. I fear this may be one of the bigger reasons so many #autistic people have to leave their jobs.
6. Rigid uncomfortable uniform requirements. Sometimes unavoidable, but sometimes very much an ableist choice of the employer. Clothing sensory issues for autistic people are serious.
7. Loud music. If your shop or museum or cafe or whatever has loud music playing, you will be limiting the number of #autistic people who will be able to access it. So maybe turn it down or off sometimes?
8. Forced interaction. Anywhere from workplaces to theme parks can have the sort of people who absolutely won't stop trying to socially interact with you. This can be terrifying for #autistic people. Think those folk in costume at Disneyland...
9. Unnecessary rules around wearing headphones. Often there's absolutely no reason to prohibit this, but they're still not allowed. This is detrimental to many #autistic people who rely on ear protectors or headphones.
10. Need to be outgoing. This is a subtle one but society generally rewards the extroverted and outgoing at the expense of the introverted or those who are exhausted by interaction, like many #autistic people. So rethink if this is a requirement of whatever you're providing.
