What's it like being autistic in the workplace?

Let's do a thread!

To start with, the job application can be a mind field for us autistics.

-Will the application questions be clear enough or too vague?
-Do I disclose my autism?
-Is the application form accessible (good instructions into how to fill it out)

If the application questions are too vague, then we may not provide the exact answer the employer asks for (even if it's a great answer!)

Disclosing is a tough judgment call for most applications. Disclose, and you run the risk of facing discrimination due to stigma or don't disclose. You may also struggle with progressing with the application/ in the job because you don't have reasonable adjustments.

When filling application forms, sometimes the questions are not clear, and I can find too rigid (oh the irony!). Each organisation will have its own way of doing this and this can add unnecessary stress to the application process.

Interviews I find rarely actually judge your ability to do the job, but more on personal characteristics that are influenced by my (and others) autism e.g. tone of voice, body language and eye contact.

Often many of us will be more than qualified for jobs we apply for, but these things can prevent us from getting roles we may thrive in!

If we do manage to get a job, then navigating the workplace can be challenging.

Sensory wise, workplaces can be loud, smelly, along with many other distractions. This can make it hard for us to work.

Also, in our break, we often need a break from people where we can decompress, but there is pressure to socialise and make small talk with colluages. We can be seen as rude or awkward if we don't engage with this.

This can lead to us being deemed as not a 'cultural fit' and lead to all forms of conscious and unconscious discrimination. Consequences could be fewer opportunities to progress, employment disciplinaries and in some cases losing your job.

Work reviews can be scary and cause a lot of anxiety. For me, it feels like my job is on the line every single time. Employers could do a better job of explaining of what the conversation will involve in advance (like an agenda for a meeting)

Also commuting is something I've struggled with a lot. Particularly on public transport for 1hr plus. I've done this for jobs in the past, and I burnt out fairly quickly!

I feel this was mainly to do with the length of time in sensory hell on the way to work was extremely draining and impacted my job performance!

If you're enjoying this thread and would like to support my online advocacy work, I'd would be forever grateful if you brought me a coffee (or a tea in my case) https://ko-fi.com/saraheboon 

A lot of the time it doesn't have to be this way! Reasonable adjustments and cultural shifts in the work place would help make such a positive difference for many autistics.

I will probs do a separate thread on this, so follow and watch this space!

#AskingAutistics please add/expand on this thread, I'm sure there are valid points I may have missed.

Also, I may extend to this thread if I remember a few more important points!