How an Autism Diagnosis Made Me Feel Validated and Seen

How an Autism Diagnosis Made Me Feel Validated and Seen

For many autistic people, a diagnosis can be one of the most affirming things that can ever happened to them.

First impressions in job interviews hurt candidates with autism. Here’s how employers can fix that

First impressions matter—they shape how we’re judged in mere seconds, research shows. People are quick to evaluate others’ competence, likability and honesty, often relying on superficial cues such as appearance or handshake strength. While these snap judgments can be flawed, they often have a lasting impact. In employment, first impressions not only affect hiring choices but also decisions about promotion years later. As a researcher in cogniti…