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Autism in the workplace: 'Always thought you were a bit weird'

AGXStarseed

Well-Known Member
(Not written by me. Edited to cover an expletive)

A late diagnosis of autism meant I struggled with the alien codes of small talk and office politics – until I started work at an autism charity



I was sitting in a doctor’s office, describing yet again how a day at work could be hell. I told him why sharing the same space, listening to my colleagues’ music/small talk/breathing drove me mad and why someone saying “good morning” could feel like a personal invasion. The doctor was new, young; he gave a nod of recognition and then he said something strange: “I think you may be autistic”.

He referred me to a psychiatrist who concurred: “Autism. 98% sure.” I did the requisite tests which confirmed the other 2%. No worries, the Australian psychiatrist assured me. “You’re one lucky (censored), Susan. You don’t have to fit in with anyone.”

The problem is, you do have to fit in – at least in the world of work if you want to eat and pay the rent. Like many high-functioning people on the spectrum, I’ve worked out the alien codes of small talk and office politics over many years. I speak them as a foreign language, but it remains foreign and hard to keep going all the time. The hidden depleting effects of enforced social interaction take their toll. Hence the doctor’s office, time off sick, a life-long propensity to jack in the job.

So would “coming out” about my autism help at work? Responses varied. For some it was a confirmation: always thought you were a bit weird. For others, being autistic suddenly rendered me incapable of doing the job I’d always done; here, let me get that phone call for you. My boss suspected me of hidden talents – Rainman was one of them, wasn’t he? Others eyed me sceptically and queried how someone who could talk, was not a child and didn’t rock constantly could possibly be autistic.

Autism is a strange beast; it covers a very broad spectrum and serves up a smorgasbord of abilities and challenges. For those with greater support needs government employment initiatives may offer some help on the work front, but for those of us diagnosed late who’ve managed to mimic, act and wing our way through the common assumption seems to be that we will continue to do just that.

According to the National Autistic Society just 15% of people on the spectrum are in full time work, and this figure may not take account of those like me who manage to stay in work but never stay anywhere long, driven away by social overkill. And yet it is being recognised that autism can bring some very useful skills to the work table – focus, attention to detail and commitment being just a few. A small number of companies have recognised this and are actively seeking these skills, especially in technological fields. In return, they are prepared to accommodate the social and sensory difficulties of autism – but many employers have yet to catch on that a few reasonable adjustments can make a huge difference to whether a potentially excellent worker stays or goes.

With a can’t beat them, join them attitude I applied to work for an autism charity. Here I’ve found a staff group whounderstand and accommodate autistic traits. And really it doesn’t take that much; just a willingness to allow some time out when needed (joy of joys, I get the relaxation room all to myself on my break) and a recognition that not everyone wants to be part of communal brews and Secret Santas. I enjoy working to a clear structure with set tasks in an environment where I can seek a quiet area and where no one thinks it strange if I stick my fingers in my ears at sudden noises. I appreciate that people will at least try to give me warning of changes ahead of time and I feel a great debt of loyalty to the manager who took a rare meltdown in her stride and placed it in an understandable autism context.

These days I’m happier at work. I’m spending a lot less time requesting sick notes for social overkill too.

Susan Dunne is the author of A Pony in the Bedroom, a memoir of life with undiagnosed autism. She is a postgraduate student in Aspergers and Autism at Sheffield Hallam University and a regular columnist for Autism Daily Newscast.


SOURCE: http://www.theguardian.com/social-c...workplace-always-thought-you-were-a-bit-weird
 
I was diagnosed very late in life, 62 years old. While I've always had problems fitting in socially, I have been very lucky fitting in at the workplace. I believe there are two reasons for this. I always worked alone in the field and I was doing things that my co-workers couldn't do. Going to work has always my safe place as far as dealing with other people was concerned. I am also very lucky to be married to a wonderful NT lady who is my guide in the social world.

As far as "coming out" is concerned, it has been my experience that most people ether wont understand or wont believe you. I am amazed at what some people think that autism is. My family knows, they don't understand but they accept. I just do not tell others. Everyone see's me as that "old, weird smart guy" and that's just fine with me.

I think that it is shocking that only 15% of people on the spectrum work full time. This makes me think that I am very, very lucky because I have always been able to make a good living for my family. I think that this is due to the fact I am most comfortable with my family or working.
 
I think that it is shocking that only 15% of people on the spectrum work full time. This makes me think that I am very, very lucky because I have always been able to make a good living for my family. I think that this is due to the fact I am most comfortable with my family or working.

There are probably tons of undiagnosed people on the spectrum who are gainfully employed,so I don't trust the figure given ;)
 
There are probably tons of undiagnosed people on the spectrum who are gainfully employed,so I don't trust the figure given ;)

You are probably right about that. I was one of those people for most of my working career.
 
Spouse and I are both Aspie's, neither of us have been unemployed. At least four friends of ours are Aspies, all have worked full-time throughout their lives. I suspect that there are many Aspies in the older population who worked full time but were never diagnosed.
 
I never really had a problem with telling people about having Asperger's. The people who are really important in my life don't mind it, and as for the ones who do think I'm weird, their friendship isn't what I need, anyway.
 
I've held the same job for 17years raising to the highest position below the owners. No one knows I have aspergers and although it sounds mean and some be offended they all just say "I'm retard smart" because I'm so good at my job. If they only knew that they weren't so far off the mark.
 
I lost my business two years ago when my co-morbids got the better of me - I didn't know what was wrong at the time and my GP was no help at all, so I spent the next year researching and self-diagnosed. With the knowledge I now have of my condition I'm working on getting back to employment and, eventually, to start a new business.
I wonder how many undiagnosed people on the Spectrum are unemployed - can't/won't work, mis-diagnosed with other mental health issues?
 

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