Dr Luke Beardon’s Golden Equation
Here at All Things Stim, we celebrate the work of people like Dr. Beardon, who encourage respectful, inclusive, and individualised approaches to autism. One of Dr. Beardon's significant contributions to the field is what he refers to as the "Golden Equation" for understanding autism:
Autism + Environment = Outcome
This equation underlines the importance of the environment in shaping the experiences and outcomes for autistic individuals. This outcome may be positive or negative depending on the environment.
“If you want a successful outcome, and you recognise the person with autism cannot change their brain, then the only thing you can change is the environment”.
The Golden Equation suggests that the challenges often associated with autism are not solely the result of the individual's neurology but are significantly influenced by how accommodating or hostile their environment is.
For example, an autistic person may have very good communication skills in a sensory appropriate environment, however, if the environment is over stimulating (e.g. with bright lights, strong smells or too many noises), the same person may have limited communication skills, perhaps even becoming mute.
By adjusting the environment to better suit the needs of autistic people - through understanding, acceptance, and reasonable adjustments - society can significantly improve their quality of life and outcomes.
Here at All Things Stim, we believe that one easy way that society can support autistic people in making environments more inclusive and supportive, is by changing attitudes towards stimming. We advocate for the wider public to embrace stimming behaviours, creating safe environments where autistic people can stim freely.
Scenarios in a professional setting
Take Tom for example; an employee at a marketing firm. Tom is known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative problem-solving skills.
As an autistic individual, Tom experiences the world differently, with unique sensory sensitivities and communication preferences that influence his work environment.
The following two scenarios delve into how the firm's approach to accommodating the diverse needs of all its employees, including Tom's, can dramatically affect overall job satisfaction, productivity, and the inclusivity of the workplace.
Through Tom's experiences, we'll see the real-world application of the "Golden Equation" and its potential to transform a professional setting into a space where everyone can thrive.
Scenario 1: Professional Environment Without Applying the Golden Equation
Context
The marketing firm maintains a traditional approach to its office layout and work practices.
The workspace is designed as an open-plan area without options for personalisation or adjustments to accommodate diverse sensory and work preferences.
Meeting protocols are unstructured, heavily favoring spontaneous verbal contributions and interactions.
Without the guidance of the "Golden Equation," the firm does not recognise the need to adapt the environment to better suit the needs of its employees, including those who are autistic.
There are no policies in place to support the use of tools or adjustments that could aid in managing sensory sensitivities or enhancing focus, such as noise-cancelling headphones or the use of personal stimming tools.
Meetings continue to be held in a format that does not consider different communication styles or the need for clear, structured agendas to help all employees participate fully.
Outcome
In this setting, employees like Tom, who could benefit from an environment tailored to their sensory and communication needs, find it challenging to engage fully with their work.
The lack of environmental adjustments or flexibility in work practices leads to feelings of exclusion and stress, adversely affecting productivity and overall job satisfaction.
Tom's inability to use his fidget spinner or to engage in meetings in a way that suits his communication style results in decreased contribution and a sense of isolation.
The company's failure to adapt its environment and work practices according to the "Golden Equation" limits its ability to harness the diverse talents of its workforce, underscoring the importance of considering both autism and the environment in achieving positive outcomes.
Scenario 2: Applying the Golden Equation in Professional Environments
Context
Leadership at the marketing firm recognises the need for inclusive and adaptable work practices to support a diverse workforce, acknowledging that employees, including those who are autistic like Tom, have unique contributions to make.
They understand that by focusing on the "Golden Equation," they can create an environment where the diverse needs of all employees are met, enhancing the overall work environment.
Adaptation
The firm adopts a new policy that encourages employees to personalise their workspaces with tools that improve their effectiveness, including the use of personal stimming tools, flexible seating options, and headphones.
Meeting protocols are revised to include structured agendas, clear participation expectations, and diverse formats for idea sharing, such as written submissions or visual presentations.
These initiatives are presented as part of a comprehensive strategy to adjust the work environment in line with the "Golden Equation," aiming to achieve positive outcomes by adapting the environment to better suit the needs of all employees.
Outcome
These changes result in a significant boost in workplace satisfaction and productivity.
Employees value the opportunity to tailor their work conditions to their preferences, fostering innovation and teamwork.
Tom, in particular, benefits from being able to use his stimming tool openly, which helps him focus and contribute more effectively.
The firm's dedication to applying the principles of the "Golden Equation" promotes a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity, demonstrating how adapting the environment to meet the needs of its workforce can lead to success for both employees and the company.