Published on 12, July, 2020
I am a Mum to an 11year old who is interested in computors. I would like some advice from people who are successful in their jobs by that I mean happy at what they do and why they are happy. I don't mean earning power even though that is an indicator. My son finds it difficult to follow instructions and has problems processing information. He likes facts and describes himself as a nerd. He likes that title of nerd.
What jobs have you found do not suit and what jobs do suit. Are colleagues aware of your Autism or not.? Are they supoortive of you (i.e. no bullying or unkind remarks)
What jobs were difficult and performance issues arose? I would be interested to hear your advice and experience.
From my experience, I find that different autistic people are suited to different jobs, in the same way that "normal" people are. I work in consultancy, and I've not yet met a person in my career that has judged me differently for being autistic, and all my colleagues have been very supportive of me.
I think the key thing to do is to raise the issues you'll face straight away, before they become a problem. People in managerial roles would much prefer you told them about something that might be a problem in the future so they can do something about, rather than being told about it when the problem has happened. Communicate the issues you face early on, and a good manager will accommodate to help you work at your best!x
Much love <3
I am very interested in IT, computers and data analysis.
I would like to work from home.
It really depends on the person, their aptitude, what they enjoy and don't. I have Asperger's and I've run a pub (it was a very local pub so I knew most people, parts of it were a nightmare but I did it. I now run my own marketing company which is doing reasonably well (£2 million a year after 3 years), I'm also involved in and have a part share in a 3D printing company that works in a specific sector (although I don't have a huge involvement at the moment, probably half a day a week). I've dabbled in video editing, more as a hobby but I have been paid for it but as a career it's very difficult to get into, it's really about who you know as without someone to open doors for you you won't get into film or TV production.
The two hardest parts of jobs over the years were people related, an old boss had Narcissistic Personality Disorder, I would say that if you ever encounter someone like this get away from them as fast as possible as they are thoroughly awful people. The other is a colleague who I started the marketing business with, after various pushing it's now come to light that he has Borderline Personality Disorder, so his volatility and inability to manage his emotions (everything is stressful to him, he doesn't just make mountains out of molehills, he makes entire mountain ranges out of salt flats) and often reacts and does things that are odd or unusual behaviour, which he will aggressively claim are "normal", or "what everyone does" and if proven wrong will then regress into a sulk and ignore people for a period of time.
Some colleagues are aware of my Asperger's, others aren't, to most it's just part of who I am and the logical, methodological approach I take to things often stands me in good stead, people know my comments or input will be carefully considered and based on the facts available.
Your son would need to find his aptitude, not just his enjoyment, what he can deal with in a working environment where he will have to follow some level of direction and process the information given to him, the level of which he can do that will dictate roles he's able to undertake.
I teach too. Have taught maths, English and ICT in a college. I now teach disabled uni students how to use tec to develop their study skills. The autonomy works for me. Plus, I like the fact that there isn't as much social time with colleagues compared to office jobs.
I guess that makes me a nerd herder....
Hi Sugarlump. I’ve been working as a teacher for over 15yrs in a geeky field....it has its anxious moments but in the main positive. Due to my subject I also meet quite a lot of autistic kids. Some of my work colleagues know that I am ASD but don’t make a thing about it ....positive or negative. I have just started making the kids aware