What can I do at work to help someone when they can manage in one place but not another?

Short answer

Different settings can place very different demands on the same person.

What this can look like

One site or customer setting can carry much higher sensory and social demand than another.

Why it can happen

Someone may work well in one environment because its pace, rules or sensory conditions are clearer. The goal is to carry useful conditions across, not question the pattern.

What might help

Plan workload and recovery around the actual setting, not a one-size expectation.

What the research helps explain

Australian autism guidance and research on masking describe meaningful differences in sensory experience, communication, routines, transitions and recovery. At work, person-led, context-aware options can improve access without requiring a person to disclose or be identified as autistic or AuDHD.

What can vary

People differ widely in communication, sensory needs, recovery and preferred support. Similar experiences can have other explanations. Do not infer identity, ask for private information or make adjustments conditional on disclosure.

For this situation

For you, compare task and environment factors before judging capability.

More info and original sources

Poko summarises the relevance of public original sources and links out for anyone who wants to read more.

• National Guideline for assessment and diagnosis of autism — Australian evidence guidance on autism assessment, varied presentation and appropriate limits.
• Autism Support Strategies — Australian public guidance on practical, person-led environmental and communication supports.