Today, we discuss Autism Awareness Day and we want to celebrate not just awareness—but understanding, acceptance, and action. At The Translation Company, we believe that true inclusion means creating space for everyone to be seen, heard, and empowered. And today, we’re honored to spotlight one of our own: Matthew.
Matthew is an incredible member of our team. He’s passionate, thoughtful, and brings a unique perspective that makes our workplace richer every day. Matthew is on the autism spectrum, and working alongside him has been a reminder of how diversity in thinking and communication styles can lead to more empathy, more creativity, and better collaboration.
More Than Awareness: Real Opportunities Matter
Awareness is a great first step—but it’s not the finish line. We believe that every individual deserves real opportunities to shine. For people on the autism spectrum, that means going beyond symbolic gestures and focusing on actionable inclusion: inclusive hiring practices, supportive environments, and the tools needed to thrive.
As a language service provider, we know that communication is everything. That’s why we take language access seriously—and why we believe that inclusion must extend to how we communicate with and about neurodivergent individuals.
Here are some practical ways workplaces can foster better communication and support:
- Break tasks into simple steps. Clear, step-by-step instructions help make tasks easier to understand and complete confidently.
- Clarify expectations. Ask the person to repeat or confirm what needs to be done—this builds understanding and reduces miscommunication.
- Maintain consistent schedules. Predictability in daily routines can reduce anxiety and help individuals feel more comfortable at work.
- Provide breaks between tasks. Short breaks during the day—especially after completing a task—can help prevent overwhelm and support focus and well-being.
- Use visual supports when needed. Diagrams, checklists, and visual cues can reinforce verbal instructions and aid comprehension.
- Be mindful of sensory environments. Noise, lighting, or strong smells can be overwhelming for some individuals on the spectrum—adequete space placement at work or sensory-friendly areas can make a big difference.
- Avoid figurative language. Be as literal and direct as possible to minimize confusion. Avoid sarcasm, idioms, or vague phrases unless you know the person is comfortable with them.
- Encourage feedback. Create safe opportunities to ask, “Is this working for you?”—and be open to adapting your communication or workflow.
Matthew in His Own Words
To celebrate today, Matthew offered to answer a few thoughtful questions from our team—sharing his perspective, experiences, and hopes for a more inclusive future. His responses will be featured below in both written and video formats, so you can hear directly from him.
- What do you do at The Translation Company?
2.What is your biggest challenge in the workforce?
3. What do you wish people knew about you (or other people in the spectrum)?
4. Please tell us something about you that no one knows.
5. What’s the one thing you wish others knew about the way you communicate?
6. What do you wish companies knew about neurodivergent people?
7. What is your message to other neurodivergent people?
A Message of Hope
Our message this Autism Awareness Day is simple: inclusion isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a mindset. And when we embrace neurodiversity, we all benefit. From creating welcoming workplaces to rethinking how we communicate, there are so many ways we can all do better.
We’re grateful for Matthew, and for every individual who helps us see the world through a broader lens.
Let’s keep the light on—and keep moving forward, together. Here is Matthew’s inspirational world autism day quote:
Being yourself is your greatest strength.