From what I’ve experienced, balancing motherhood and a career is challenging for anyone—but for autistic people, there is a complexity multiplier. This often means navigating sensory overwhelm, unspoken expectations, and the pressure to mask into fit in while managing neurodivergence in professional spaces.
In this article, I share what has helped me understand my needs, communicate them confidently, and build a work life that supports—not suppresses— neurodivergence. The great thing about this advice is its practicality; it can be used by neurodivergent and neurotypical alike. I share these insights with you all, as a mom, as an autistic mom, as a human—you deserve to thrive at work, not just survive.
🧠 1. Understand Your Neurodivergent Work Style
The first step to managing your neurodivergence at work is self-awareness. Your energy, focus, and sensory thresholds all affect how you function in a professional environment, and establishing a framework of self-reflection and your identity helps you understand your heart and motives for getting things done.
Take time to identify:
- What energizes you during the workday
- What drains or overstimulates you – and use sensory tools to self-regulate
- How you prefer to communicate (e.g. written vs. verbal, synchronous vs. asynchronous)
- Your executive functioning strengths and challenges – and how to overcome them
✨ Understanding your neurodivergent profile helps you advocate for realistic, sustainable support.
💬 2. Communicate Your Needs Clearly and Confidently
Whether or not you’ve disclosed your diagnosis, you can still advocate for accommodations that support your productivity and well-being.
Examples of reasonable adjustments:
- Remote or hybrid work options
- Noise-reducing headphones or quiet zones
- Visual instructions or written follow-ups
- Flexibility around scheduling, deadlines, or meetings
Tip: Frame your requests around outcomes. For example: “I do my best work when I can process instructions in writing.”
🚫 3. Limit Masking and Honor Your Authenticity
Many autistic professionals feel pressure to suppress their true selves to appear “professional.” Masking may feel necessary in certain situations, but long-term masking often leads to burnout and emotional exhaustion.
You can begin unmasking gently by:
- Being honest about your sensory needs
- Using scripts or notes in meetings (or recording meetings where allowed)
- Taking stim breaks between tasks – Pomodoro timers work great!
- Allowing time for regular self-care as an autistic adult – something I’ve been reading a lot about lately
The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to work in ways that don’t cost your well-being.
🔄 4. Set Boundaries to Avoid Burnout
Boundaries are essential to protect your energy and avoid overcommitting—especially when you’re balancing work and the emotional labor of motherhood.
Workplace boundary examples:
- “I’m not available after 5 p.m.”
- “I need a 10-minute sensory break after meetings.”
- “I prefer to receive feedback via email.”
You might also benefit from visual planning tools (like Notion, Trello, or color-coded calendars) to reinforce these boundaries in your day-to-day routine.
💖 5. Choose Aligned Work When Possible
If you’re exploring new career paths or seeking a better fit, consider roles that align with your natural strengths. Autistic professionals often thrive in work that involves:
- Deep focus and pattern recognition
- Analytical problem-solving (I’m an analyst!)
- Creativity and innovation
- Empathetic listening and community support
If you’re self-employed or pursuing side-projects, build systems that support your flow and minimize friction.
You don’t have to hide your neurodivergence to be respected at work. Your needs are valid, your strengths are powerful, and your presence matters.
This Autism Awareness Month, let’s normalize building professional lives that honor our identities—not erase them. Managing neurodivergence in professional spaces is possible—and you are worthy of a work life that supports the full you.
Join our Mailing List
Sign up with us now and be the first one to know about our exclusive offers and product updates.
By submitting your information, you`re giving us permission to email you. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Leave a Reply