068 | Real life insights into understanding & supporting autism in the workplace, with Cybill Watkins

Fay Wallis is joined by Payroll and HR professional, Cybill Watkins, who shares her experience of being diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), how it has given her answers to questions she has had throughout her life and the inclusive practices she has discovered that can help neurodiverse people to thrive at work.Key Points From This Episode[00:02] This is the third episode that focuses on neurodiversity. The first two are:Episode 24: Understanding & supporting neurodiversity at work, with Melanie FrancisEpisode 59: ADHD – a personal story of the strengths, struggles & strategies that help, with Julie White[03:14] An introduction to Cybill Watkins[04:03] Cybill’s journey to receiving her diagnosis[10:41] Cybill explains what ‘masking’ is[12:13] Cybill shares some of her strengths and struggles and explains that they often ‘mirror’ each other[17:58] Cybill shares different strategies she has found helpfulJoining groups and learning from themBeing honest with yourselfGet a mentorIf you end up experiencing burnout – take time out to recover properly, get adjustments in place, join support groups [20:15] Cybill recommends following Amanda Kirby on LinkedIn[20:44] Cybill’s advice to any listeners who think they may be neurodiverse[23:19] How to ensure you are creating an inclusive workplace and supporting neurodiverse colleagues as much as possible[30:18] Cybill shares her book recommendation: The Fear Bubble by Ant Middleton(Disclosure: this book link is an affiliate link which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you choose to purchase the book using it) Useful Links Autistic Society’s Autism PassportAccess to WorkConnect with Fay on LinkedInThe Bright Sky Career Coaching websiteVideo: how to rate & review HR Coffee Time on Apple PodcastsThe Essential HR PlannerRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: [email protected] This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.Mentioned in this episode:Kara Connect - Help When It's Needed MostMenopause, grief, ADHD, relationship breakdown... Every day, employees dealing with these situations are turned away by their EAP because they didn't qualify for counselling. When someone finally asks for help, they deserve better. Visit Kara Connect, where no employee is ever turned away. Kara Connect