When a child receives an autism diagnosis, every aspect of family life is impacted, including work ... [+]
When a child receives an autism diagnosis, every aspect of family life is impacted, including work life. Now that research shows the prevalence of autism in children is as high as 1 in 36, the need for more comprehensive support systems is greater than ever.
Autism can cost a family an estimated $60,000 per year throughout childhood. Costs are a combination of lost wages due to increased demands on a parent and the expenses of special services. For example, a recent study found that families with autistic children are 9% less likely to have two parents working. In comparison, mothers of autistic children earn 56% less on average than mothers of children with no health limitations.
To support these caregivers (and their children), employers can design workplace policies that recognize the full impact of parenting autistic children.
Creating A Safe Space
Employers can design workplace policies that recognize the full impact of parenting autistic ... [+]
Parents of neurodiverse children are more at risk for anxiety and depression due to the added parenting demands and ever-changing healthcare maze. Research shows that 46% of children with special needs caregivers need help managing emotional and physical stress, and 40% need help balancing work and family responsibilities. A growing number of employers are responding by offering healthcare plans that include emotional wellness services and coverage for therapy.
Championing realistic workflow strategies can also create a cohesive environment that supports all employees. Nick Abraham, the founder of LeadBird, employs leaders with autism and parents of autistic children.
"What has worked for us is ensuring that work is a safe space," Abraham said. "Together, we develop a specific routine or working schedule for parents of autistic children that can accommodate their needs. Then, if we need to change that schedule, we give them ample notice."
Abraham believes that prioritizing tasks and then giving his workers independence to complete them has helped their company retain employees with children with autism.
"We keep a fluid work schedule for tasks that don't have a firm deadline," Abraham said. "This helps our team members develop a stable schedule while providing for their families. In addition, employees can complete tasks on their own knowing their managers will be checking in to see progress."
What Parents Want Most
Parents of neurodiverse children are more at risk for anxiety and depression due to the added ... [+]
Having a child with autism can tip the parental seesaw of work and childcare toward quitting or losing a job. Parents of autistic children say they need the same thing to be successful in a workplace: flexibility, flexibility, flexibility.
Nicole Perrotte, MD, worked as a physician in a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2015, she gave birth to twins and later discovered one child was on the autism spectrum. Navigating the complexities of autism care and a rigorous work environment left her exhausted.
"A fixed, rigid work structure and trying to navigate daytime appointments for my child became nearly impossible, and I flat out burned out," said Perrotte, who now runs Signet Wellbeing. "Businesses need to be more flexible in the options they offer parents of autistic children. This can mean flexible or hybrid schedules to facilitate parents' need to attend their child's appointments and school meetings. These are additional burdens that parents of special needs children shoulder yet are often overlooked by businesses."
Autistic children require 10 to 40 hours of therapy a week, depending on the severity of the disability. In addition, therapies may be spread across multiple providers, increasing time spent on transportation and supervision. Offering employees the option for remote work means they can confidently focus on work and home responsibilities. Although, for some employees, that might look like taking time away for a child's medical appointment, they are making up the hours on a different day.
While not all businesses can offer a remote option, flexible scheduling can meet employees halfway, experts say. For example, a hybrid schedule or starting a workday early in the morning and ending in the early afternoon may be possible. "It's about not being focused on rigid structures and times," Perrotte said. "Let employees experiment with what works, and you'll find you're keeping them happy and engaged."
Support Means Success
Perrotte said. "Parents with neurodiverse children know how to navigate systems, be positive and ask ... [+]
Companies who hire parents of autistic children often find they have exceptional employees. "They will get someone who is motivated, engaged, resilient, and not afraid to work hard," Perrotte said. "Parents with neurodiverse children know how to navigate systems, be positive and ask questions. With a little flexibility and support, they easily succeed in any work environment."
