The Syensqo company, comprising the solutions, activities and markets represented in the article below, was spun off from Solvay group in December 2023.
Hidden impairments, more common than realized
When you hear the word disability, the first thing that likely springs to mind is a person in a wheelchair or perhaps someone who is deaf. But did you know that approximately 80% of people with a disability have a hidden impairment?
Hidden, or invisible, disabilities can include physical, mental or neurological conditions that don't have immediate external indications, making it harder for people to notice and harder for people with an invisible disability to feel comfortable sharing. Solvay’s accessibility roadmap, currently in the making, also takes into careful consideration invisible conditions, and the first vital step is creating awareness and understanding.
Solvay colleague Aurélien Dewerdt (pictured left), an analyst technician in Lyon, has Autism Spectrum Disorder - ASD (formerly known as Asperger's Syndrome). Today, he kindly shares with us his experience and words of encouragement.
Moving past assumptions
“Autism is often misunderstood,” explains Aurélien. “Many people fall into the traditional, cinematic cliché of the wild child who communicates with no one and withdraws into himself. What people need to understand is that autism is about patience and trust. Everyone needs to know how to take the time to listen and understand - something quite delicate in today's world where we tend to always want to go faster and waste our time and energy on sometimes futile things.
“A real relationship, however, (whether with an autistic or neurotypical person) has to be cultivated.”
ASD is a form of autism that is estimated to affect about 0.5% of the global population. People with ASD may communicate differently. They might have difficulty understanding verbal and non-verbal language like gestures or tone of voice, and they may generally prefer clear and consistent language rather than sarcasm or abstract phrases.
Consequently, social interactions can sometimes be tricky as they often find it challenging to read other people’s feelings and express their own.
“A person with ASD can feel things differently than us,” explains Ana Hipolito, Synthesis & Process Safety Lab Manager, to whom Aurélien reports. “When they have to interact with different people, it can sometimes be difficult to manage their emotions. Consequently, the diversity of people - especially when these people don’t know about their condition - can be a challenge.”
“I have developed relationships with many people within Solvay, people who motivate me to give the best of myself and to go beyond my own limits,” says Aurélien. “Some of them have even stayed very close to me, and I thank them for having always believed in me.
“But of course there have also been many hardships to overcome. Other people have struggled to understand my disability. Sometimes that resulted in them acting malicious. I must admit that it was difficult for me to forge a place within Solvay, but fortunately, I also had support which allowed me to overcome this blockage and to demonstrate my potential as an analyst.”
Starting an open disability dialogue
Many misconceptions still exist regarding autism. People with ASD are, for example, often wrongly perceived as disengaged and lacking empathy. “People often think he’s in his head all the time, which isn’t true. He’s completely open to everyone,” Ana says. “They assume that when he doesn’t understand what they’re saying, it’s related to his autism, when in fact it’s them not explaining things clearly.”
Additionally, people with ASD can sometimes experience an extreme emotional response when feeling overwhelmed. “Colleagues often don’t understand what’s happening and so could perceive him as aggressive, which is not the case,” Ana says.
“People would tell me he doesn’t like unforeseen events and that everything must be planned, but I never heard this from him,” Ana continues. So rather than basing her management on assumptions, Ana decided to educate herself and have an open dialogue with Aurélien to understand his strengths and limitations, and subsequently sensibilize employees working with him.
“Autism is a disability that is still unknown in France,” explains Aurélien. “Fortunately, organizations like AAA or people like Hugo Horiot, who is a vocal advocate for autism with his mother Françoise Lefebvre, can provide information on this subject. They have also written autism-related books like ‘Le petit prince cannibale’ (The Little Cannibal Prince) and ‘L’empereur c’est moi’ (The Emperor That Is Me). I recommend the first book, by the way!
“In any case, whether it is in relation to autism or other differences among us all, one should avoid rumors, prejudices and other urban legends. Regardless of the difference involved, I think the person who is ‘different’ should be given the ability to express themselves on the subject. I think it is essential to be open and honest.”
To support Aurélien, Ana also sought guidance from the local Solvay medical network to access as many resources as possible. As a result, she was put in touch with disability groups within Solvay. “That has definitely helped me find solutions to make Aurélien feel more comfortable in the work environment,” Ana says.
Regardless of the difference involved, I think the person who is ‘different’ should be given the ability to express themselves on the subject. I think it is essential to be open and honest.
Talent comes in many forms
“I would like to send a message of hope to my colleagues, especially to those who want to forge a future as I do,” begins Aurélien. “I know that many are going through, or have gone through, many trials, and this tends to lock us in, isolate us, and sometimes even make us want to give up. But I know today that is not the best solution. The only thing you can do is hang on as long and as hard as you can. And even if the future is not the one you had anticipated, you can still try to achieve a better result. Whatever happens, don't let anyone sidetrack you or pass judgment on your place in this world.
“During my school and professional career, I learned something that I want to share and teach in turn: to redefine excellence.”
