Understanding Autism in the Workplace: Katie’s Experience at TEAMCo

Autism presents differently for everyone, and in the workplace, that can mean a unique mix of strengths, perspectives, and challenges. For Katie Taylor, working as an apprentice and Junior Project Manager at TEAMCo has been a journey of growth, learning, and building confidence in her own way of working.

Katie describes her experience as one shaped by both challenge and opportunity. She explains that unstructured communication, sudden changes, or unclear expectations can be difficult to manage. However, when processes are clear and communication is structured, she is able to perform at a high level and feel confident in her role.

This highlights an important insight, not just for neurodivergent individuals, but for all workplaces: clarity and structure benefit everyone.

We ask Katie :

How would you describe your experience of being autistic in a professional environment?

"My experience of being autistic in a professional environment has been a mix of challenges and strengths. I sometimes find aspects like unstructured communication, sudden changes, or unclear expectations more difficult to manage.

However, when processes are clear and communication is structured, I am able to perform at a high level and feel more confident in my role."

How does autism shape the way you see or approach your work?

"Autism influences me to approach work in a very structured, detail-focused, and logical way. I naturally prioritize organization, clarity, and consistency, which helps me manage tasks effectively. I also tend to think carefully before acting, ensuring that decisions are well considered and risks are minimized.

Although I now approach my work with structure and confidence, when I first joined TEAMCo I initially found it challenging to balance my day-to-day responsibilities alongside my apprenticeship, as it was my first corporate role. However, with the right support and gradual development, I was able to build effective working practices and progress to where I am today."

Do you feel that being autistic brings any strengths to your role as a Junior Project Manager?

"Yes, I believe it brings several strengths. I am highly organized, reliable, and attentive to detail, which are important in project management. I am also good at following processes, tracking progress, and ensuring tasks are completed accurately. Additionally, I bring a strong level of focus and commitment to my work."

What has your experience been like working at TEAMCo?

"My experience at TEAMCo has been positive overall. I have had the opportunity to develop my skills and gain practical experience in not only project management but gain a level 3 Business Admin Apprenticeship. There have been challenges at times, particularly around communication or changes in priorities, but I have been able to grow and adapt with support.

Owen Wood has been an exceptional source of support—demonstrating a strong understanding of autism, offering practical recommendations that have genuinely helped me, and consistently providing encouragement. I am very grateful for his ongoing support."

What does a supportive team or manager look like to you, and how have you experienced that here?

"A supportive team or manager provides clear communication, sets expectations, and creates a structured and consistent working environment. In my experience, even though most of my colleagues are not aware that I am autistic, they still naturally demonstrate these supportive behaviours. This shows that inclusive practices such as clarity, consistency, and effective communication benefit everyone, regardless of whether individual needs are formally known."

What advice would you give to other autistic people starting their careers?

"I would advise recognizing that autism is a spectrum, so not all autistic people will have the same needs, personalities, or traits. It’s important to find coping mechanisms and ways of working that suit you as an individual. While learning from other autistic people’s perspectives can be very helpful and has personally helped me, what works best will ultimately be unique to you. Taking the time to understand your own strengths and needs can make a significant difference when starting your career."

From a working style perspective, Katie brings natural strengths in organisation, attention to detail, and logical thinking. These qualities are especially valuable in project management, where consistency and accuracy are key. She approaches her work in a considered way, ensuring decisions are well thought through and risks are minimised. Like many starting their first corporate role, Katie initially found it challenging to balance day-to-day responsibilities alongside her apprenticeship. However, with the right support and time to develop, she has built confidence and strong working practices. A key part of that journey has been the support around her.

Katie highlights that a supportive team or manager provides clear communication, sets expectations, and creates a structured and consistent environment. Importantly, she notes that many of her colleagues demonstrate these behaviours naturally showing that inclusive practices benefit everyone, regardless of whether individual needs are formally known.

Katie also emphasises that autism is not one-size-fits-all. Each person will have different strengths, needs, and ways of working. Taking the time to understand yourself and develop your own coping strategies can make a significant difference when starting a career. At TEAMCo, Katie has continued to grow both professionally and personally, gaining hands-on experience while completing her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that when organisations create the right environment, individuals can thrive and bring valuable strengths that enhance teams, projects, and outcomes.