Workplace Accommodations

[FayetheAspie]

I am diagnosed only with ASD and ADHD but I suspect that I have the contamination and checking subtypes of OCD as well. If not I still do have symptoms that lean that way. Is it possible to get a workplace accommodation for not having to do things like cleaning toilets or scrubbing out trash cans if you have no OCD diagnosis? Also are workplace accommodations supposed to be in writing?

 

[Judge]

I am diagnosed only with ASD and ADHD but I suspect that I have the contamination and checking subtypes of OCD as well. If not I still do have symptoms that lean that way. Is it possible to get a workplace accommodation for not having to do things like cleaning toilets or scrubbing out trash cans if you have no OCD diagnosis? Also are workplace accommodations supposed to be in writing?

Probably depends on the nature of one's OCD. It isn't the same for everyone who has it. I may be obsessed with order and neatness, but not on a biological level. I'm not a germaphobe.

Somehow managed to take care of my girlfriend's young daughter (4 to7) quite often. Kids can be uh....."messy". It sure put my OCD to a test...but I handled it ok for being a part-time parent.

I'm just thinking on a pragmatic level most employers seeking one for janitorial services would figure out how to pass on hiring much of anyone with germaphobic tendencies.

 

[VictorR]

The objective of a workplace adaptation / accommodation is to permit someone to be able to perform a task / job that they would otherwise have difficulty completing as a result of a disability.

It's best that they're in writing so that documentation exists in the event if a change in manager, or the employee is moved to a different team or location.

Some examples of accommodations would be:

For someone visually impaired - having documents available in large print and access to screen reading software.

For someone on the spectrum with sensory challenges - perhaps having their work location in a quieter space, and noise canceling headphones.

Is it possible to get a workplace accommodation for not having to do things like cleaning toilets or scrubbing out trash cans if you have no OCD diagnosis?

No, as it is clear that they can perform and complete the duties required without accommodation - just that they're being overly detailed and may be spending more time than needed.

In such a case, it would be beneficial to have coaching on task requirements and expected completion time.

 

[FayetheAspie]

Probably depends on the nature of one's OCD. It isn't the same for everyone who has it. I may be obsessed with order and neatness, but not on a biological level. I'm not a germaphobe.

I am a germophobe (primarily as it relates to bodily fluids type of bacteria).Exposure to such things give me a bit of a panic attack. I will wash my hands ,a surface, ect. a certain number of times if they come into contact with select kinds of filth (like a commode brush or vomit). If I get interrupted or distracted I often feel the need to start the cleaning over though I have had some improvement in this aspect. I also recheck things like locks and whether I really turned something off or unplugged it or not. I really don't know why I was not evaluated for OCD.

 

[Judge]

I am a germophobe (primarily as it relates to bodily fluids type of bacteria). I will wash my hands ,a surface, ect. a certain number of times if they come into contact with select kinds of filth (like a commode brush or vomit). If I get interrupted or distracted I often feel the need to start the cleaning over though I have had some improvement in this aspect. I also recheck things like locks and whether I really turned something off or unplugged it or not. I really don't know why I was not evaluated for OCD.

My repetitive rituals tend to revolve around security....like locking my front door and rechecking it at least four times before I go to bed. That sort of thing. Nothing along the lines of bacteria and germs....although I try to keep things clean on general principle. Particularly my kitchen floor where this computer is located in the dining area. Less dust...though speaking of dust I am quite allergic to it, along with things like sagebrush, ragweed and pollen.

I can go only so long without vacuuming, or it starts to drive me nuts. Same with cleaning the bathroom...sooner or later I am compelled to clean everything.

I'm guessing you have no children, where biological exposures are inevitable. Even gross at times...lol. But that's life.

 

[FayetheAspie]

It is keeping me from getting a job because around where I live it seems like most small businesses want you to assist with janitorial/maintenance tasks regardless of your actual job title so they do not have to hire an actual janitor. The larger businesses which have janitors are crowded and overwhelming.

 

[Judge]

It is keeping me from getting a job because around where I live it seems like most small businesses want you to assist with janitorial/maintenance tasks regardless of your actual job title so they do not have to hire an actual janitor. The larger businesses which have janitors are crowded and overwhelming.

Yes, I've spent most of my years when working in major corporate atmospheres that always seemed a bit more crowded than I liked. At least at one point we finally got cubicles which helped. Certainly made it more difficult for coworkers to violate each others' sense of personal space.

But yes, I wasn't expected to do any janitorial duties beyond my own cubicle. And I don't recall anyone in my area using chemicals or cleaners that might bother others.

 

[FayetheAspie]

Yes, I've spent most of my years when working in major corporate atmospheres that always seemed a bit more crowded than I liked. At least at one point we finally got cubicles which helped. Certainly made it more difficult for coworkers to violate each others' sense of space.

But yes, I wasn't expected to do any janitorial duties beyond my own cubicle. And I don't recall anyone in my area using chemicals or cleaners that might bother others.

The large retail store that I used to work at was very overwhelming. One of the worst days was when I had to work during Black Friday sells. I even had one woman literally come right up on me and start clawing at my arm with her fingernails as she demanded to know where something was. I never went to work on Black Friday after that ever again (I had never been one to shop in such crowds either),even if they put me on the schedule. I do not want to ever have to work in that kind of environment again. Towards the end of that job the stress got such that when customers would break things or throw things at me I would just bust out laughing but I did not really find it funny. I was actually scared and overwhelmed. Sometimes other people would then be mad at me for laughing so hard. I have always had inappropriate affect at times where my outward expressions do not always match what I really feel but the job made it much worse. I have improved a lot in that area since losing that job though. However most of the smaller places I try to get a job at (and did get one for about three weeks) want maintenance work included.

 

[Judge]

The large retail store that I used to work at was very overwhelming. One of the worst days was when I had to work during Black Friday sells. I even had one woman literally come right up on me and start clawing at my arm with her fingernails as she demanded to know where something was. I never went to work on Black Friday after that ever again (I had never been one to shop in such crowds either),even if they put me on the schedule. I do not want to ever have to work in that kind of environment again. Towards the end of that job the stress got such that when customers would break things or throw things at me I would just bust out laughing but I did not really find it funny. I was actually scared and overwhelmed. Sometimes other people would then be mad at me for laughing so hard. I have always had inappropriate affect at times where my outward expressions do not always match what I really feel but the job made it much worse. I have improved a lot in that area since losing that job though. However most of the smaller places I try to get a job at (and did get one for about three weeks) want maintenance work included.

I did retail sales working in a small hobby shop for a while. Dealing with the public always made me uneasy, making me constantly think of jobs that didn't involve contact with the public.

I once quit my job as an insurance rater when they put me on customer service. I could do the job better than anyone in my department, but I hated it. My former supervisor called me and begged me to come back without having to do customer service, and I agreed to come back.

 

[jsilver256]

The more you have to offer an employer, the more accommodations they will make. I wish I had more specific advice than that.

 

[FayetheAspie]

My repetitive rituals tend to revolve around security....like locking my front door and rechecking it at least four times before I go to bed. That sort of thing. Nothing along the lines of bacteria and germs....although I try to keep things clean on general principle. Particularly my kitchen floor where this computer is located in the dining area. Less dust...though speaking of dust I am quite allergic to it, along with things like sagebrush, ragweed and pollen.

I can go only so long without vacuuming, or it starts to drive me nuts. Same with cleaning the bathroom...sooner or later I am compelled to clean everything.

I'm guessing you have no children, where biological exposures are inevitable. Even gross at times...lol. But that's life.

@Judge Correct- no children
I do have indoor pets which people sometimes consider contradictory to my filth related fears, but I am very careful cleaning the yard behind the dog. I have a tool that keeps my hands away from the mess. It does not bother me for a dog to lick my hand if I know that it's shots are current. The hair doesn't bother me unless it's fur is filthy or I know it was against something filthy. On occasion I end up frantically sanitizing door knobs, my hands ,and other surfaces after washing the dog when it got messy but we get along fine without such occurrences most days. Dogs generally make great friends.

 

[Judge]

@Judge Correct- no children
I do have indoor pets which people sometimes consider contradictory to my filth related fears, but I am very careful cleaning the yard behind the dog. I have a tool that keeps my hands away from the mess. It does not bother me for a dog to lick my hand if I know that it's shots are current. The hair doesn't bother me unless it's fur is filthy or I know it was against something filthy. On occasion I end up frantically sanitizing door knobs, my hands ,and other surfaces after washing the dog when it got messy but we get along fine without such occurrences most days. Dogs generally make great friends.

That's interesting. So your germaphobia isn't necessarily on a zero-tolerance level. I wouldn't consider this any kind of "contradiction" as well. At least that reflects that you have some control, and on a level that is manageable to you. I suppose in some ways this is how I was able to deal with my girlfriend's daughter relative to her hygiene issues. Some thing being more manageable and routine than others.

LOL...though in having raised Yorkshire Terriers, I'd definitely prefer to look after children in comparsion!

Still though, while I can certainly relate, I'm not sure where employers may be more or less sympathetic in accommodating you. Hard to tell, especially in the event they have no solid understanding of such conditions.

 

[FayetheAspie]

@Judge The germs are not really the main reason for not having children though I imagine diaper changes and such would be highly stressful. I don't know why this is written in italics . I did not turn that setting on.

 

[FayetheAspie]

@Judge It was very stressful when I was in my tweens/teens because my Daddy would deliberately handle something like the commode and then put his hand on my shoulder or head just to prove he could basically(which being autistic I don't particularly like even if someone does wash their hands). I would end up washing the top of my head or my shirt sleeve with soapy water at the sink. It is a wonder that I did not get severely sick in the winter but I could not help it. I was terrified not to wash it.

 

[Judge]

@Judge It was very stressful when I was in my tweens/teens because my Daddy would deliberately handle something like the commode and then put his hand on my shoulder or head just to prove he could basically(which being autistic I don't particularly like even if someone does wash their hands). I would end up washing the top of my head or my shirt sleeve with soapy water at the sink. It is a wonder that I did not get severely sick in the winter but I could not help it. I was terrified not to wash it.

Sounds like he was trying to demonstrate something along the lines of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Not cool...and it doesn't uniformly work on just anyone. It was suggested by my physician, and did not work at all with me. Frankly it just stressed me out even more. Sometimes facing one's "demons" head-on may work, but not for me. Or probably you. Though I have very different issues in comparison.

 

[FayetheAspie]

Sounds like he was trying to demonstrate something along the lines of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Not cool...and it doesn't uniformly work on just anyone. It was suggested by my physician, and did not work at all with me. Frankly it just stressed me out even more. Sometimes facing one's "demons" head-on may work, but not for me. Or probably you. Though I have very different issues in comparison.

I think it probably works more for people who are just nervous about something not those who are highly distressed. Mean would you really make someone with acrophobia go bungee jumping to "cure them?" Well actually some people probably would . I would not expect it to work very well though. I think exposure therapy can actual cause something akin to ptsd in some cases

 

[Judge]

I think it probably works more for people who are just nervous about something not those who are highly distressed. Mean would you really make someone with acrophobia go bungee jumping to "cure them?" Well actually some people probably would . I would not expect it to work very well though. I think exposure therapy can actual cause something akin to ptsd in some cases

I was forced into a scenario I deal with all the time. Parking my car where I cannot see it, and then coming out of a store and freaking out if I don't immediately see it.

I was the victim of car theft many years ago, and it permanently left its mark in the form of PTSD. I experience momentary shock when I can't find my car....then get over it when I find it. But repeating the scenario never made it any less palatable. So for me, CBT was a waste of my time and a tax on me emotionally and physically. Much like doing "drug therapy" where they give me something that hurts me more than it helped me.

To me CBT might as well be electro-shock therapy. No thanks.

 

[ManuelXX]

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I am diagnosed only with ASD and ADHD but I suspect that I have the contamination and checking subtypes of OCD as well. If not I still do have symptoms that lean that way. Is it possible to get a workplace accommodation for not having to do things like cleaning toilets or scrubbing out trash cans if you have no OCD diagnosis? Also are workplace accommodations supposed to be in wri

I

I am diagnosed only with ASD and ADHD but I suspect that I have the contamination and checking subtypes of OCD as well. If not I still do have symptoms that lean that way. Is it possible to get a workplace accommodation for not having to do things like cleaning toilets or scrubbing out trash cans if you have no OCD diagnosis? Also are workplace accommodations supposed to be in writing?

I think it depends from the law of where you live and work

 

[All-Rounder]

The large retail store that I used to work at was very overwhelming. One of the worst days was when I had to work during Black Friday sells. I even had one woman literally come right up on me and start clawing at my arm with her fingernails as she demanded to know where something was. I never went to work on Black Friday after that ever again (I had never been one to shop in such crowds either),even if they put me on the schedule. I do not want to ever have to work in that kind of environment again. Towards the end of that job the stress got such that when customers would break things or throw things at me I would just bust out laughing but I did not really find it funny. I was actually scared and overwhelmed. Sometimes other people would then be mad at me for laughing so hard. I have always had inappropriate affect at times where my outward expressions do not always match what I really feel but the job made it much worse. I have improved a lot in that area since losing that job though. However most of the smaller places I try to get a job at (and did get one for about three weeks) want maintenance work included.

Wow, that sounds like a job in post-apocalyptic times, where people lise their common sense and do desperate acts, and towards the staff?! Madness.

 

[Misty Avich]

I have a phobia of vomiting, which can really cloud your employment horizon. I'm only good for cleaning jobs, but when you have a vomit phobia it can become problematic, unless you're told the vomit isn't caused by anything contagious. For example, cleaning up vomit from a drunk person is like cleaning up pee - the bacteria is not airborne, all you got to do afterwards is wash your hands.

So I don't have a germ phobia, just a virus phobia. I would love to get a job in the sewers, because I love rats. Or in a pet store working with domestic rats. At least rats cannot vomit (even though I'm not scared of animal vomit anyway). Unfortunately I have misophonia and can't stand the sound of babies crying in stores. I guess those poor animals in pet stores can't either.

But like I said, I'm quite limited with employment due to my anxieties and learning difficulties. Office work might be difficult for me if I have to deal with numbers, even though the computer does it all for you but I still become dyslexic with numbers, I'm not sure why.

I could not work in a hospital or a care home or a school, due to phobia of sickness that goes around these places. Even hotels. I heard of a hotel where a family staying there had caught norovirus and it spread to other guests until they had to close the hotel for a few days. It wasn't the food, it was just someone had contracted a stomach bug and it spread like wildfire, a bit like covid would.