Alternate routes: Making a way for people with autism to find fulfilling work

Autistic people in the workforce have long understood that autism itself is not what holds them back—discrimination is. As writer Joey Murphy puts it, “The same kids who sensed your difference from the herd in the third grade are still with you in the office. At 35, you’re better at masking, but they’re better at making their reasons for not liking you seem legitimate.” The setting may change, but the social dynamics often remain the same.

One reason for this disconnect lies in the differences in how brains are wired. Neurotypical (NT) brains tend to prioritize social interaction, relationships, and unspoken hierarchies. Neurodivergent (ND) brains, by contrast, often devote the same intensity to organizing, exploring, and deeply engaging with topics of interest.

A simple comparison highlights the difference. For many NTs, a familiar narrative might be: girl meets boy, they fall in love. For many NDs, the story looks more like: girl meets a topic, girl falls in love, and her passion drives her to explore that subject in depth—please stop interrupting her while she’s doing so.

At a fundamental level, we are motivated by different priorities. This mismatch is where many workplace communication problems begin. NTs may interpret ND behavior as rude or distant, while NDs may experience NT social norms as inefficient or distracting. Neither perspective is wrong—they are simply shaped by different ways of thinking and valuing the world. (more)