Robert Reuss's List: 202 Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Environmental Factors

    

   Most of these are not at the level of "accommodation" under the ADA (depending of course on the individual) but are things that can be done to improve work performance and relieve stress. 

   

  Noise

    

   Sometimes this is not avoidable. Use available noise reduction equipment. ANR headsets are now available for under $40., and are useful in places where Walkman-style headsets are commonplace. These devices seem to be the overpriced accessory du jour at airport shops, for good reason. 

    

  Lighting

    

   Fluorescent lights can be troublesome. Fortunately, some of the newer ones have electronic ballasts which reduce flicker. In some cases it may be possible to obtain a halogen uplight or the equivalent, but this requires a work environment where personal items of this sort are accepted. In many offices, personal lights are quite common. 

   More on fluorescent lighting in the workplace is at Fluorescent Lighting Flicker, which includes several adaptations. 

   Other ways to compensate include opening shades and planned use of coffee.  

    

  CRT Monitor Flicker

    

   This can cause fatigue. Fortunately it is easily adjustable -- my first AS-related web article. One description is at SCN's help webpages: www.scn.org/help/monitor.html The new flat monitors don't seem to have this problem. 
    

   If you make any environmental adaptations, try to make them "fit in with" something your NT co-workers would do. By way of example, a lamp can be a piece of decoration ("because you like the light") as opposed to, "a special adaptation because bla bla bla." 

• ANR Headsets

• Fluorescent lighting commonly causes problems, generally associated with a perception of flicker. These include drowsiness, headaches, migraines, and difficulty in concentration.
• Poor light quality in terms of narrow spectrum light output.
• Fluorescent lights have less adverse effects when mixed with daylight or ordinary incandescent light.
• If you work in a fluorescent-lit room, get a different light. 

  Halogen floor lamps can be purchased for $35.
• there are definitely people who cannot tolerate the lighting of any fluorescent light source
• Electronic ballasts are available for standard fluorescent lamps
• These are apparently 20% more efficient than conventional magnetic ballasts.
• most of the effects of fluorescent lighting can be mitigated by augmenting the fluorescent lights with incandescent lights.
• The flicker can create a strobe effect which can make it possible for a worker to accidentally get caught in moving parts.
• fluorescent lights are dangerous near moving machinery.
• Some machinery includes warnings concerning operation with fluorescent lighting,

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• Monitor flicker particularly affects people in the autism spectrum including people with Asperger's Syndrome. Monitor flicker can also provoke migraines.
• Flat panel displays are not significantly affected by this.
• Screen flicker is most obvious when viewed from a distance, with fluorescent lighting in the room.
• I can actually see the monitor flicker at 60Hz and even a little at 72Hz.
• Normally the monitor settings are just left alone. People with Asperger's Syndrome tend to be particularly sensitive to video flicker, and so flicker is an issue for people with Asperger's Syndrome.

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