While October is National Disability Employee Awareness Month, there is an unwritten rule in the workforce. What mostly matters is looking your best when presenting or doing what is needed when navigating the working world. While this can be a struggle for autistic people, myself included, I have learned later in life. People pay more attention to you when you put in the effort to look your best. You also seem more valued and accepted as a workforce member.

There have been countless times when I did not show myself well in the working world. Sometimes it is having the accommodations needed to do the job. Not having the things that make it difficult is also important. For example, wearing jeans brings me safety and security. They give comfort and the confidence I need. This helps me be my best self on the job. Granted, there are exceptions when that can’t happen. Traditional day and office attire is something I have to figure out. This is especially true since COVID has made things more relaxed. It is still something I need to work out for myself.

What matters the most is that I am well-kept and practice being as hygienic as possible. Many autistic people struggle with this because it involves several steps. Navigating the necessary things to make that happen can also be challenging. It is something that is not only good for the workplace, but in general. Nonetheless, taking care of yourself is essential in the working world. Failing to do so can draw unwanted attention from your colleagues and supervisors. Over the past few years, I have made taking care of myself a priority.

While not all autistic people fancy themselves in looking their best, there are some that do. This has always been preached as the golden rule when going into the outside world. The expectation is to look presentable where it is required. It can be hard sometimes to give what it takes to make that happen. Yet, there is a reward that comes when you have confidence in yourself. Looking good can make you feel good. It can even make you feel on top of the world. You become the person you want to show to the world.

I had not cared for my personal appearance for so long. Now, I must take responsibility for how I handle it. It can make or break how I connect with others. This realization reminds me of the importance of always looking my best. Feeling confident and good about myself is crucial. It is what I need to be respected and heard as the person I can be. Looking good adds the necessary touch to succeed in the working world. Though it can be hard to follow through, doing what is needed pays off greatly.

It is just one of those unwritten rules and skills. Sometimes, it just needs to be taught in the right way. It has just as much value as doing something that interests you. This keeps you going when the times get tough and hard to deal with. When you look your best, you have one less thing to worry about while navigating the working world. You don’t have to fear being judged or passed over in a world that can be hard to understand. It can also be cruel to even the kindest people.