ABSTRACT
A 'reasonable adjustment' – as stipulated in the Equality Act – is an adjustment made by an employer to individual circumstances to enable a disabled person to enter into employment or an existing employee to fulfil his or her role. Employers should concentrate on what adults with autism can do, their strengths, not their deficits, and the specific talents which come with their differences. Britain's 2009 Autism Act and the 2010 Equality Act specify that employers should endeavour to introduce 'reasonable adjustments' to help disabled employees function well in the workplace. Line managers are a key component in ensuring a smooth transition for autistic employees into the workplace, according to Daniel Wiles, disability consultant for the Business Disability Forum. Employers should avoid using metaphoric language but instead provide clear and simple instructions. Wiles recommends that employers give work trials to candidates with autism as an alternative to the traditional interview process.
