Autism & the difficulty of getting & doing a job

The 80's?

Slowly things are changing. Large companies now want to have a diversified work force. They are seeking training, advice, etc. in how to do this. Not only how to best accommodate what an employee may need but also how to train managers and staff to understand what someone may need or not need, etc. I know the initial success stories are coming out in the IT field for those with Aspergers that are very talented with computers. However, there are also places that are working with people to do packaging and warehouse and creative fields as well. Don't give up as I think things are getting better for everyone with any type of disability or disabilities.

In my last job I was working in a state employment capacity. While I was not diagnosed as on the spectrum until very late in my work career, there had always been indicators that I was not neurotypical. Working 4 the people I did in that last job, they were happy with my abilities they were happy with my work product, but they had a difficult time with my personality. This came not only from my coworkers but also from management. They wanted me to have a smile plastered on my face the entire time I was there, and to participate in voluntary group activities that I had no interest in. They created an adverse environment for me to feel comfortable in. While I could have really raised the roof and gone the legal way to make them change, it would have taken such a toll on me. I would like to hope that I paved the way for others by the way that I was able to progress in that job. But it's very difficult when there is a mindset of everybody has to fit in. It's been proven time and time again that not everybody does.
Ginger

@gingerw
It sounds as if you adapted to a rather difficult work environment very well, Ginger. You maintained your boundaries and did that which made you comfortable and you did a good job with your work assignments. All of that is a great example of how to take care of ourselves in the work force and yet remain true to our personal challenges. That took planning and courage on your part, good work!

Thanks for responding. Can I ask, what was a job you applied for that you think was a good fit, looking back? Also, was it a Mayo psychiatrist who diagnosed you? If I knew what I know now, I probably would have spent most of my life staying home, watching TV. I'm not kidding. So it's a good thing that I didn't know what I know now. 🙂

Yes, I had the exact same problem. One of the side effects of autism can be depression. That can certainly make it hard to be "up" and happy 24 hours-a-day. Thankfully, eventually I was diagnosed with Severe Depression, and put on medications for it. They have helped me a lot! Being a man with autism is probably even more difficult than women have it, because in our culture men are supposed to "suck it up" or "laugh it off" when they're depressed. 🙂 You may notice that in the past year, several professional basketball players in America have published articles in "The Players' Tribune," in which they reveal that they have had severe depression, despite their fame, adulation, and riches, and I think it really got the attention of the American sporting public.

well guys for the record I have just come thru a very torrid time of planning my suicide due to severe depression and anxieties brought on by the following.
5 weeks I had a massive hemorrhage fro 2 varicose veins which I hit by accident whilst waiting for a smoothies I felt cold liquid on my leg and looked down and saw a pool of blood .I took off to the local doctors and argued with the receptionist to get a doctor I am bleeding out she was more worried about correct paper work .then the doctor was a numbnuts I knew more about my condition and to immediately to elevate my legs to stop the bleeding and I had 15 stitches put into both veins to stop the bleeding no chance of getting to Ed AND TO REVERSE THE EFFECTS OF BLOOD THINNERS.
I then had 2 wars with 3 prominent autistics in Australia and new Zealand and got very depressed and preached at and rejected and isolated and then euthanatized George my cat and got told off for asking for help from my fellow autistics we don't help see your local mental health team or go to hospital . so I gave up hope and purpose dear usernameca one of the few to keep hanging in with me or would of been dead.
whats this to do with employment unfortunately we still face a world of suspicion abuse denigration and isolation being hassled and bullied in the workplace .we must skill and equip ourselves in my case I found my niche thru working in small pathology teams and morgue work and pathology .I also teach .we must develop resilience to handle things and to be aware its a dog eat dog world even in the work place .people are competitive intimidator and controlling and how ones overcomes that lord knows .in addition with the current American politicians making choices for their cronies and influencers and not to build a country and care for fellow Americans. I am an aussie I can see and read more than those whom live within your borders

I am so sorry that you have been through so many difficult experiences, @sirgalahad, but I'm glad to read your post.

How are you doing now?

@sirgalahad

I'm so sorry to read of the problems you have been experiencing! Planning to take your life must have been terrible for you. I'm happy that you had a person who stood with you during this difficult time. I'm sorry about your cat George too. I need my kitties to help me stay sane. Please keep us informed as you move forward. We humans really need to learn to treat each other better; perhaps someday. We can start here. My thoughts are with you.

me sanguine now scared how quickly my brain switched to planning suicide and organizing it amazing to look back . the new meds and mood stabilizer are helping but I have noticed after sleeping I always wake depressed and grumpy and unsure why going to sleep is making me like this .I will figure it out maybe need to take a mood stabilizer when I goto sleep .
I sadly found how judgmental autistic people as well as able bodied persons and no support but ignoring what I was crying out about .took me effort to get to my psychiatrist twice to fix myself . I have had over the years so many autistics reaching out to me to support them and being kind and finding help .when it was my turn very few auties mainly able bodies