Reasonable adjustments
The Autism Act (2009), The Equality Act (2010) and NHS Long Term Plan (2019) state that ‘reasonable adjustments’ must be made for people with a diagnosis of autism, to allow more positive experiences. This is a legal requirement.
Sometimes it can be difficult to ask for reasonable adjustments, you might not know what adjustments you need, what adjustments are possible or how to ask for them.
Below are some examples of reasonable adjustments that you may find helpful. These might be helpful in the workplace, college or university, or healthcare settings.
Different ways to self-disclose
Things you may feel, with examples of reasonable adjustments you might ask for.
I struggle with organisational skills, so…
…could I get an extension to a deadline or receive a reminder?
I can often misunderstand social cues…
…therefore it is helpful if people clarify what they mean.
My brain interprets things literally…
…so please avoid using idiom or explain these to me.
I have sensory sensitivities…
…and would find it helpful to use lamps rather than overhead lighting.
I have difficulties with change…
…so please be consistent with timings and warn me if I need to cancel.
Page last reviewed: 18 April, 2024