HR Coffee Time 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 Francis
- Episode 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 helpful
- Joining groups and learning from them
- Being honest with yourself
- Get a mentor
- If 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 Passport
- Access to Work
- Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
- The Bright Sky Career Coaching website
- Video: how to rate & review HR Coffee Time on Apple Podcasts
- The Essential HR Planner
Rate and Review the Podcast
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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: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.
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