Module 3: Processing, Thinking Styles & Executive Function
How Information Processing Shapes Work
Information processing affects how people receive, interpret, store, and respond to workplace information—especially in fast-paced, interruption-heavy environments.
Why this Shows Up in Everyday Work
Many workplaces assume information is best shared verbally, quickly, and in real time—often alongside multitasking and constant context switching.
For some employees, this creates cognitive overload that affects accuracy, confidence, and performance. Autism-informed organizations design information flow intentionally,
reducing unnecessary complexity and making key details easy to reference.
The Four Stages
- Detect: noticing relevant input amid sensory and informational noise
- Process: interpreting meaning, context, and expectations
- Store: encoding details into short- or long-term memory
- Respond: retrieving information and taking action
Universal Supports
- Advance agendas and written prompts
- Clear instructions paired with examples
- Visual summaries, diagrams, or checklists
- Reduced multitasking expectations where possible
- Time to process before responding
