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Autism & the difficulty of getting & doing a job

Autism (ASD) | Last Active: Jul 31, 2021 | Replies (60)
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@usernameca

Yes, I agree. People who know me would consider me "high functioning," if that term is still used. That's because I have a high IQ and am well-educated. But to be honest, I don't think there is any job that I could hold down. I could not even do janitorial work, because part of my autism is my severe OCD that I've been diagnosed with. Any job that has to do with germs, food, blood, fluids, etc., I would just be extremely stressed out doing, and I'd have to stop doing. Any thoughts?

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Replies to "Yes, I agree. People who know me would consider me "high functioning," if that term is..."
Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Oct 1, 2018

Hi, @usernameca. Guess what?!! You are not alone. My Mother had an enormous case of OCD. While I never have been diagnosed with it, I would definitely say I was affected by it.

Strong smells, filthy homes, clutter, and unwashed bodies made my work days very difficult as a Social Worker. I managed to survive, somehow. Now those things don't bother me nearly as much as they used to. But I will say that I have an immense appreciation for cleaning products.

And I confess, cleaning my home everyday is good therapy!

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Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Oct 6, 2018

Hi, @usernameca , I agree with all of you, actually! I worked in the school system for 18 years. It wasn't until I neared retirement that I found out for certain that I had ADHD, Autism, OCD, Anxiety, amongst my chronic back pain, Depression, and others. What tipped me off was when I left a classroom to complete important paperwork. I remarked to a coworker that I couldn't work in that room for all the noise. She said "What noise?"

I was aghast when all the pieces fell together. No wonder I couldn't get anything done. My hearing was off the charts, like dog level, almost. I had had trouble with noises all my life.

So much more that I could say. I would love to share with you and all the others. Perhaps if I shared more of the dark side, there would be more understanding out there in the world. If only they knew all we had to do to get where we are! Adios, my friend.
Mamacita

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