Three Tips To Successfully Do Public Relations When You Have Autism
Public relations is a field where you have to do your best to manage a company’s image. Whether it be through corporate social responsibility, organizing events, or social media management, you have a really important job. This job can be much more complicated if you have autism.
Autism can make you incredibly intelligent and talented. But it can also hinder some of the social skills required in the field. Nonetheless, most people with autism still have the capabilities to succeed in this career. They just need a little help. So here are three tips for successfully doing public relations when you have autism.
- Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself.
Public relations can be a tricky field to get in and manage when you have autism. You have to socialize 24/7 and look your best, because you’re representing the company or brand. But just know that you’ll do great. Don’t beat yourself up if you make a mistake. Public relations is all about persistence.
- Learn How To Manage A Crisis Calmly.
In the public relations field, you have to know how to properly manage a crisis. It’s a high-tense situation involving a lot of emotions. It can especially be hard for those with autism. But there are three ways to properly manage your emotions in a PR crisis:
- Take a deep breath.
- Make good decisions calmly.
- If the situation is overwhelming, take a five-minute break.
If you follow these three steps for managing a PR crisis with autism, you’ll surely be able to thrive in the field.
- Be Yourself and Have Fun.
Public relations is all about personality and how you present yourself. Yes, there are times to be professional, especially if it’s an important work meeting or a business dinner. But there are also times to be yourself and have fun. Embracing the gift you have and the person you are is the key to succeed in this field. Public relations should be fun and enjoyable, without the risk of being shamed for who you are. Embrace yourself as much as possible.
Yes, public relations is a socially-active field which can be more challenging when you have autism. But as long as you follow these three steps for success, you’ll do fine. So go on. Get out there! Help your company grow and embrace yourself while doing it.
Kadin McElwain is an autistic college student, writer, and activist majoring in public relations at Kent State University. Throughout his life, he was told he wouldn’t amount to anything because he had autism. But time and time again, he proved the naysayers wrong. Now, he hopes to uplift other autistic adults and children to live a normal life.
