hi, autistic partner here! try to be as patient as possible, which i know is hard if you work at a high volume store. sometimes we need to be told instructions a couple times before we absorb it fully, so don’t think we’re lazy/not trying. our brains just need a little more time to learn! additionally, it helps to listen to us when we need a break from a certain position. personally DT is super hard for me and it can send my brain into meltdown mode. overall just try to be as kind and welcoming as possible ☺️ good luck

In addition to what the other commentor said, autism presents very differently in different individuals. Listen to the partner for what they specifically need and don’t try to hit every check box for autism if they aren’t needed.

Another autistic partner here. I second a lot of what’s already been said on this thread. I’ve been very fortunate to have great shifts and a manager who work well with me and understand how my brain works. I’m a mid-shifter/occasional closer and one shift lead in particular sends me to to do dishes and preps when I’ve been on the floor for a long time. I really appreciate the break, especially if I’ve been on solo drive or front and food where I have to interact with customers constantly. Also, if I’m on bar, the shift usually lets me decide whether or not I want to wear a headset. Sometimes that alone can be super over-stimulating, especially when I’m hearing the ping every thirty seconds while also trying to work on drinks.

I also wanted to second what someone said about having to repeat instructions- please be patient if you have to do so. It makes me even more over-stimulated/stressed out when I think someone’s upset with me for not understanding them the first time.

I’m really happy you’re asking this question and want to help your new partner. As someone who was in tears and totally overstimulated my first few days, I was so grateful for the patience and support from my shifts and manager.

Autistic partner here. Patience is definitely key. If the person feels comfortable, ask them politely how you can help. After all it effects everyone differently. Most importantly, if we say we need to step away or take a break. That may mean we are overloaded or the verge of a Meltdown or Sensory Overload. Please listen to us.

I think a lot depends on the level of struggles they're facing. I don't have any advice for someone with higher capabilities but we've been working hard to support a partner with developmental challenges for many months. (He's not diagnosed with anything but his doctor told him he has a preschool level understanding)

He's unfortunately transferring because of some upcoming management changes, but here are some things we do with him. These are specific to him and might not apply to your partner.

Always have someone available to flex and assist them when needed. This means being aware of who is in a position near them, preferably someone experienced.

Make sure they're comfortable enough to, and encourage them to, ask questions when they're not sure. Just be clear about who the supervisor is.

Be patient and break things down into simple steps. Sometimes it works better to give one or two steps and wait till those are finished to add more.

Obviously not during peak, but otherwise address mistakes when they happen and use it as a teaching moment or learning opportunity. We all make mistakes if you wait too long after it happens they might not remember your feedback or reasoning as well.

Be accommodating if they need to step aside for a minute, sometimes there's too much going on and it can overwhelm some people. I know we're all tight on labor but covering someone for a minute long water break can make a big difference in how people feel by the end of their shift.

Take some time at the start of their shift to let them know what you want to work on that day.

Take some time at the end of their shift to check in and ask what they felt good or successful about.

i’m an autistic partner and i’ve found specific directions help or just be open to questions, even if they may seem obvious to you

i am a newish partner who is also autistic (with ADD (adhd attentive type) and also struggling (got a little surprised when i read this) but i guess just be patient is all i could say

Autistic partner- for me I really need to have people over explain and over communicate to me or I don’t know what people are asking. I also put on gloves to touch cardboard boxes and things that I have sensory problems with. Be very patient

Thank you everyone! Your feedback has been very helpful.

One struggle that affects many people is that he wants to do more than we know how to support him. He wanted to work at oven but couldn’t figure out how to use the tongs correctly and ended up either handling the food with his hands or destroying the food.

Also, sometimes we ask him to restock cups and lids, and he will do so with the incorrect sizes.

Other partners get frustrated when either they have to repeat instructions or he doesn’t do the next (seemingly) logical step: like taking the garbage out but not replacing the garbage bags.

He loves washing dishes, though, and now I know why.

Based on your feedback, I think I have some ideas we can use to make this a win-win situation. If my manager doesn’t have the time to deal with this now, I will be able to soon. Partners are puzzled and unhappy he’s scheduled to work Sundays but as SSV, I’ll work with him to set him up for success.

I'm autistic and a partner what would be the issue because struggling doesn't help explain since autism is such a vast spectrum of potential issues.

My biggest issue is customer connection which I fake by doing basic weather and hey like your hair small talk. But I am great at comming up with slogans ams catchy cute things and running pos so the drinks are always right and now I have the timing down for drinks.

Either way what is it they are struggling with?