CoorsTek is a company that manufactures technical ceramics for a variety of different industries from automative to aerospace technology to the medical field. These ceramics are crucial components in numerous applications due to their durability and resistance to high temperatures. They also retain their exceptional performance under high amounts of pressure. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has made it a leader in its field.
I had the pleasure of sitting down one afternoon to meet Jonathon, an intelligent, easygoing young person who works for CoorsTek. One of my stims is pacing with my hands behind my head (I do this a lot when I’m on the phone…needless to say it made for some interesting conversations when I worked in an open-floor office!) and it was so refreshing to meet someone else who also paces as a stimming behavior.
In our short but meaningful conversation, I learned how Jonathan uses their gift for auditory processing to shine in their role as an operator. I also enjoyed learning about how CoorsTek takes actionable steps to foster a healthy work environment not just for autistic employees, but for everyone.
RM: So tell me a little bit about what you do for a living, and what you enjoy about what you do.
JH: I work for CoorsTek. I’m an Operator. I’ve been with CoorsTek for over six years, give or take. For me, it’s kind of nice as an operator not to be working with too many people. I spend the majority of my days in front of machines working with them and making sure the ceramics get made.
RM: Tell me a little bit about what it was like to discover you were on the spectrum?
JH: So, my case isn’t really common in my eyes. I’ve known ever since I could remember. My mom had the test done probably when I was in kindergarten, although I don’t remember too much from back then. With my side, at least, it wasn’t necessarily too much of a problem in terms of academics. I was still put in special education because of my autism. Once I could prove that I knew how to do my math problems and how to read, there were still some accommodations, but in fifth grade I was switched from special ed to only occasional meetings and such at that point. To me, that was, I don’t necessarily want to say it was awkward making that transition from special education to mainstream classes. But it was more like, “Hey. This is how life is. Just throw yourself under the bus and keep on running.” Kind of like a little bit of acceptance of where I was, I guess.
RM: What are some strengths being neurodivergent presents for you at your job?
JH: Personally, I tend to notice things a little more differently. In my case, because I work with machines and I’m more of an auditory person than a visual person (which is funny because I actually went to school for graphic design for a few years and I love drawing!), but in terms of auditory processing I don’t notice broader sounds that other people hear. Instead, I tend to notice more minute things. The minute things are more up front to me. I can be all the way across the room, and I can hear something small happen with machines. This is really important because I’m usually one of the first people to notice when something’s wrong with the machines. Right there and then, I can react to what’s happening and solve things with the machine instead of just letting it run and let things get worse.
RM: Do you feel supported by your employer? If so, in what ways?
JH: CoorsTek in particular does have an EIT team, or what’s known as an Employee Insight Team. We get together once a month to discuss things to help relieve stress. Right there, that’s when people can step up and say what they need to. During Mental Health Awareness month, they have posters and signage acknowledging that everyone is different, and everyone needs their own time and space. They have fidget toys in the breakroom for us to grab. It’s nice to see companies are starting to notice that there are people on the spectrum, and there can be changes made if needed.
RM: That sounds like a really supportive working environment! Are you currently receiving any accommodations from CoorsTek?
JH: It’s not necessarily that I need accommodations. It helps me to at least have a supervisor or a team lead that is more understanding, like if I need time to step away to clear my head. Upper management is understanding. They’re aware that I’m autistic and sometimes that happens. It’s definitely a more supportive environment than having a manager who says things like, “Oh, well that’s too bad. I don’t care what happens, and I don’t care about your mental health or your need to clear your head. You still need to get your work done.”
RM: It always helps a lot when management is understanding. Do you have words of encouragement for autistic job seekers looking for the right fit for them?
JH: My advice is to at least be open about it. In the past, I used to think, “Hey! Don’t bring up your autism! If you get past the job interviews, they’re not going to treat you equally.” You’ve got to at least put it out there. It’s okay to say, “Yes, I am on the spectrum. And it will not affect the majority of my work.” And if you need accommodations, be up front about it! If you need some time to step away, ask for it. For example, I don’t usually need a quiet space for myself to work. But sometimes if I need to step away for a minute to stim or to take a minute to myself to clear my head, I might. For example, my stim is pacing, so I might step away for a minute to pace.
RM: Small world! Mine is too! I actually haven’t met many other people whose stim is pacing! For some reason, it’s always whenever I’m on the phone!
JH: Nice! I actually didn’t even know it was a stim until not too long ago! I was like, “Wow! That’s new!”
RM: Any suggestions for employers on how they can create a more supportive working environment for neurodivergent employees?
JH: To my point about stimming, I think there needs to be space for us to be comfortable. But it has to be done in such a way that it doesn’t impede the work itself. I really appreciate what my employer does for people on the spectrum in that regard.