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Communication issues becoming a problem

Starbuck

So I have started a new job after I had reached my limit of having to deal with sensory overload and bullying in my last workplace.

The environment is better overall, but still has a few issues, however the biggest issue I am facing is communicating properly with my boss.

I was honest and upfront about my ASD and sensory processing disorder so that everyone was on the same page from the start, but it seems my boss isn't comfortable or interested in talking about my diagnosis or how it impacts on me.  I get that he probably doesn't care at the end of the day and that's fine, but we are having clear communication issues that is becoming a problem to the point I keep misinterpreting things, being overloaded with information from regular brain dumps from my boss and others, not having clear direction as a result of no plans or clear instructions and generally feeling overwhelmed.

I'm starting to think that they think I am stupid or I blagged my way through the interview as I cannot perform at the level I am used to.  My boss also doesn't help as he isn't a good communicator in general, so it only adds to the issue.

I had to approach the subject of my ASD and SPD the other day due to other reasons and my boss became very uncomfortable.  I wasn't even getting into specifics, I was just making him aware of a situation that he needed to be informed of.  I am starting to think I have made a mistake by working for this company, but at the same time I want to make it work.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to tackle a boss that doesn't want to know or understand about ASD?  Also, I am not sure if this is an ASD thing or just me being stubborn, but if I see a clear way of doing things, I become very frustrated when someone stands in my way or tries to alter it to a way which seems more convoluted and short-sighted.  I am having to deal with this on a daily basis at the moment, where rather than someone letting me get on with things and allowing me to suggest solutions, I am being told what to do and it doesn't make any logic or sense from my perspective.  To top it off, when I try to get them to explain, I only become more confused due to the apparent lack of logic involved.  Grrrr!

Parents

  • I'm wondering whether you need to take this issue to your boss's boss, or maybe to Human Resources. By law the company has to make reasonable adjustments for you, and that includes from your line manager. You probably already know about this but the Equality and Human Rights Commission does advice on workplace requirements for both employers and individual employees. It could be worth taking a look and then requesting a meeting with the appropriate person.

    Good luck, I hope you can find solutions that work for you. I know you want to give of your best.

  • in reply to Hathor

    I approached HR for some guidance on how to work with my boss and they have said it isn't easy for most people - great news for me then!

    Everyone else seems to have fumbled there way along and figured out how he works, whereas I am more direct and need to be told what to do, hence the challenge I am facing.

    I understand my rights in the workplace, however I doubt my employer does and if they are not very well educated on ASD, they might think that it appears that there is nothing wrong with me.  I will try and educate them if problems persist, I just don't want to make a big deal of things at this stage.

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  • in reply to Hathor

    I approached HR for some guidance on how to work with my boss and they have said it isn't easy for most people - great news for me then!

    Everyone else seems to have fumbled there way along and figured out how he works, whereas I am more direct and need to be told what to do, hence the challenge I am facing.

    I understand my rights in the workplace, however I doubt my employer does and if they are not very well educated on ASD, they might think that it appears that there is nothing wrong with me.  I will try and educate them if problems persist, I just don't want to make a big deal of things at this stage.

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