Linkedin

Ever felt like social media is one giant, chaotic dinner party where everyone else seems to know the secret handshake? Welcome to LinkedIn, where autistic professionals navigate a world built for neurotypical networking, armed with logic, efficiency, and, let’s be honest, a bit of existential dread.

After diving into the latest research, I wanted to share a few insights for my fellow neurodivergent minds tackling LinkedIn. Spoiler: It’s not all bad! With a few tweaks, it can actually work in our favor.

1. Sensory Overload? Tame the Chaos.

Autoplay videos, random notifications, and an endless scroll of “humblebrags” can be overwhelming. Adjust settings to disable distractions and focus only on what matters, like job postings and industry insights. Less doom-scrolling, more purpose.

2. Networking Doesn’t Have to be a Cold Call Nightmare.

Reaching out to strangers can be stressful, but structured communication helps. Pre-written message templates (e.g., “Hi [Name], I admire your work in [Industry]. I’d love to connect and learn more.”) take the guesswork out of engagement. Plus, alumni and neurodiversity Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are great places to start.

3. Keep It Simple: Your Profile is a Cheat Sheet for Recruiters.

Skip the fluff and stick to clear, factual sections. Experience, skills, and education matter more than social validation metrics like endorsements. If it feels like an unnecessary popularity contest, it probably is.

4. The Algorithm Feeds on Engagement, So Starve It Strategically.

LinkedIn’s feed is designed to keep you scrolling. Instead of falling into the void, use job alerts and direct searches to find opportunities without the noise.

5. Mental Health First, Always.

If LinkedIn feels draining, set time limits. Browser extensions like StayFocusd can help enforce healthy usage patterns. Also, structured reflection, like journaling after interactions, can reduce anxiety and help process ambiguous messages.

While LinkedIn isn’t a perfect fit for everyone, strategic engagement can turn it from a social minefield into a useful tool. Whether you’re job hunting, networking, or just trying to exist professionally without sensory overload, a structured approach can make all the difference.

Fellow neurodivergents, how do you approach LinkedIn? Let’s swap strategies!