What can I do at work to help someone when they need more time to work out what people mean?

Short answer

Give people time and clear language when meaning or decisions matter.

What this can look like

Hints and fast discussion can leave key decisions unclear.

Why it can happen

Hints, rapid discussion and several people talking at once can make information harder to use. Plain requests, written follow-up and time to consider improve access for the whole team.

What might help

State requests, deadlines and decisions plainly, then write them down.

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, state the decision, action, owner and deadline explicitly.

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.