Masking or suppressing ND traits can also be damaging to an autistic person ' s mental health , as it requires a lot of emotional energy . Masking for too long demands excessive energy and the person can become more prone to sensory overload . Ensuring that the workplace is non-judgemental , open-minded and understanding can help an autistic person to drop their mask and become their authentic self . This is a huge achievement for the person and will help to strengthen the relationship between them and their peers .
Calm space
A ‘ quiet room ’ in the workplace where staff can go to relax is hugely beneficial to the wellbeing and morale of all team members , and it could also provide an ND person with a familiar , safe space within the workplace . They should be able to use this stimulus-free environment for as long as they need to calm down and regulate any emotions they are struggling with . The quiet room should have soft lighting , provided by a lamp or dimmer lights , as well as blinds or curtains to minimise intense natural light . Ideally , the quiet room should have a calming , relaxing decor that is not too visually stimulating , and practices should refrain from using heavily scented candles or essential oils in the room . Noise in and close to the quiet room should be kept to a minimum ; a sign stating that the room is in use can notify nearby people to keep their voices down .
REFERENCES
1 National Autistic Society . What is autism ? Available from : https :// www . autism . org . uk / advice-and-guidance / what-is-autism [ Accessed 14 March 2023 ].
2 World Health Organization . Autism . 2023 . Available from : https :// www . who . int / news-room / fact-sheets / detail / autism-spectrumdisorders [ Accessed 14 March 2023 ].
3 Watson K . Sensory overload : Example scenarios . 2021 . Available from : https :// www . healthline . com / health / sensoryoverload # examples [ Accessed 14 March 2023 ].
4 Queensland Government . Sensory overload is real and can affect any combination of the body ' s five senses : learn ways to deal with it . 2022 . Available from : https :// www . health . qld . gov . au / news-events / news / sensory-overload-is-real-and-can-affect-any-combinationof-the-bodys-five-senses-learn-ways-to-deal-with-it [ Accessed 14 March 2023 ].
Special interests
While people may perceive some of the traits of ND conditions as being negative , there are actually many positive traits that can be hugely beneficial in the veterinary practice . Autistic people are extremely passionate about topics that particularly interest us , which we call special interests . Supporting an autistic colleague to find a special interest in their practice can enhance their value , contribution and expertise , and boost their morale by enabling them to carry out a task they enjoy . Additionally , autistic people often have very high attention to detail and can offer a more in-depth insight into a problem or situation , which others in the practice may not have identified . Both the veterinary practice and the ND person will benefit from making the most of the positive traits of ND conditions and supporting the ND person to reach their full potential .
Navigating the world and the veterinary profession as an ND person has its challenges , but there are things that can be done to improve our experience and create a more inclusive and comfortable environment for all . As employers , practices should ensure that all team members are aware of how best to accommodate , manage and support ND colleagues , as the number of adults being diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions continues to increase . Creating a workspace for all brain types to thrive is truly the way to success .
Save the date !
BVNA Congress 2024 will be held at Telford International Centre from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 October 2024 .
This year ' s theme is ‘ Progression ’ and Congress 2024 will be a celebration of the veterinary nursing profession as a sustainable and progressive career .
In response to your feedback , the focus will be on content specific to the needs of the veterinary practice team .
Find out more at www . bvna . org . uk / congress .
10 Veterinary Nursing Journal