What can I do at work to help someone when plans change and they do not know what is coming next?

Short answer

When plans change, give people the next reliable piece of information.

What this can look like

After a change, people need a reliable next fact before they can adapt.

Why it can happen

Explain the change, what remains stable, what they need to do and when another update is coming. This makes adaptation more possible without expecting instant comfort.

What might help

Say what changed, what stays the same, what happens next and when more information will come.

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, build change communication into the plan before announcing the change.

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.