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Feeling awkward

TheDeeWhoLived

Hi there! I've officially been diagnosed with Aspergers for 2 months (happy me day!). To try and give myself a routine (which I love), I started a course training to be a teaching assistant and I have actually loved working with the kids. They are so lovely and we have 2 little autistic boys in my class which actually makes it a slightly better environment. One of the places I feel so awkward is in the staffroom. The teachers and other assistants can chat really easily with each other and joke, but I feel like an idiot when I try. I don't get some of their jokes and, even though I've told a handful of people about my condition, they just say 'oh, we've all had bad days like that!'

How do I get them to take me seriously?

I had my first meltdown last week when they didn't tell me our morning lesson was going to involve a large group of parents. Sent my anxiety through the roof too!

Any techniques to not feel like a humourless potato? haha.

Parents

  • I teach, and some days just don't get adults at all. Fine with kids, just adults. I find somewhere quiet for lunch if I can, or just tune out their conversation if I am in the same room. Don't really care if they think I'm odd/quiet/boring or a potato. However I have worked there for donkey's years, so I guess just starting somewhere new may feel a lot different. Maybe take a book with you and just say something like "oh I really like reading in my lunchbreak" or something? Maybe a book to do with your course?

Reply

  • I teach, and some days just don't get adults at all. Fine with kids, just adults. I find somewhere quiet for lunch if I can, or just tune out their conversation if I am in the same room. Don't really care if they think I'm odd/quiet/boring or a potato. However I have worked there for donkey's years, so I guess just starting somewhere new may feel a lot different. Maybe take a book with you and just say something like "oh I really like reading in my lunchbreak" or something? Maybe a book to do with your course?

Children
  • in reply to Bagpuss7

    Yes! I can deal with kids and the elderly (my mum used to nurse in care homes so was brought up around that), but that block in between? I just can't get them. They laugh really loud and there is usually 7 staff in there at lunch. There isn't really anywhere free at lunch that's quiet so I may just stick my headphones on and read like you said. I've been reading a book about SEN kids which will keep me occupied for a while! I kind of get annoyed at myself as I seemed to get overloaded so quickly, but figured it's going to take some getting used to. What year do you teach if it's okay to ask? Slight smile