ABSTRACT
Interviews can involve a number of features that some people with autism may find more stressful than neurotypical people. Communication during an interview can create a disadvantage for an applicant with autism. Some people with autism may give monosyllabic answers to questions or not realise when they are being asked to talk about something in detail. Employers need to ask specific and direct questions in a logical order. Employers must avoid falling into the trap of embracing well-meaning, but over-simplistic stereotypes, however. Employers are beginning to become aware of the very real stress — and distress — that the interviewing process can represent for people on the autism spectrum. Some have agreed to provide questions beforehand to allow a support worker to accompany the candidate to the interview to repeat questions, allowing the applicant more time to process the meaning and consider a suitable response.
