Free Asperger's on the Job: Must-Have Advice for People With Asperger's or High Functioning Autism, and Their Employers, Educators, and Advocates by Rudy Simone Page A

spoken or unspoken requirements for office wear and again, may seem slightly superfluous to one’s duties:
“I’m expected to wear heels at the office. I’m six feet tall as it is.”
    - DIANE
    The need for comfort and control over the environment begins with one’s own skin and is important enough to an AS person to be a factor in taking or keeping a job. Being uncomfortable would detract from their enjoyment of the work and their ability to focus. It just isn’t logical to be uncomfortable all day.
“I’m hesitant to apply for jobs with dress codes I don’t care for (i.e., suit and tie). If I take a job with a dress code, I make myself comply if I choose to take the paycheck.”
    - MIKE
    Why a person with autism has skin sensitivity may be explained by any or all of these three factors: Some believe that autism starts with a compromised digestive system (Campbell-McBride 2004) and following that, that people with autism develop food allergies. This would affect all areas of the body, including the skin. Stress, which we know is inherent in AS, would be another factor in skin sensitivity. Sensory processing difficulties are part of autism, and touch is one of the senses affected.
    For some, time is a factor. They may simply dislike spending too much of it on their appearance; a little is fine, but more than that is frivolous. For others, it is more about the decision; choosing an outfit is just another variable and choice they’d prefer to eliminate from their daily routine. As a result, some people with AS will love wearing a uniform because it will eliminate that whole process. Dr. Temple Grandin has created her own uniform, by wearing the same “Annie Oakley”-type shirt every day, with soft t-shirts underneath and soft trousers.
    Stephen Shore, in his article “Survival in the Work Place” (2008), describes how he used to bicycle to work every day at an accounting firm. This was a logical choice: he could enjoy nature, get some exercise, and save both time and money. Perfect for the sensible Aspergian mind. Although Stephen would change into his work clothes as soon as he arrived, his employer had a problem with him entering the building wearing cycling clothes. They told him he had to stop riding his bike and start showing up in “uniform.” He was let go after three months.
    Looking like you belong to your tribe is an ancient survival mechanism, and the corporate tribe (or blue collar, etc.) is no different. Although costumes change and so do norms (as reflected in “casual Friday”), what attire you’ll be expected to wear should be part of the decision-making process when choosing your career path.

What the employee can do:
     
Don’t let the idea of a new way of dressing prevent you from going for or taking a job. You can find a style that suits you, without compromising your physical needs.
If the job you love/want dictates that you must wear a suit and tie or similar attire, know that there are alternative fabrics that are natural and comfortable. You may have to splash out a bit of money and time initially, but it is always good to update your looks.
Real silk pantyhose are a very different experience than the usual nylon “deathtraps” as one AS woman called them. They are expensive, but do last much longer than the drugstore variety (if you can find them!).
Open-toed high-heeled shoes tend to be more comfortable than closed-toe.
Some dresses and suits are nearly as comfortable as pajamas.
Have fun with dressing up. We can all get stale from time to time, and the Asperger requirement of comfort can mean that some of us would never leave our bathrobes if we could get away with it. Yet we all want to be considered attractive, don’t we?
Make a point and a plan to spend some time on a new project: your professional appearance. You might be pleasantly surprised at the results.
If there are certain items required by your job, e.g., a uniform, hardhat or something that you find unbearable, you