Is discussing what it is like to be Autistic with Neurotypical people an exercise in futility?

Well, judging by my experiences in trying to convince the neurotypical staff and management at my workplace - an autism care charity with mandatory training for all staff in understanding autism - it is most definitely a waste of time.

I've spoken at length to them.  I've written pieces to help them get at least some perspective.  I've done all sorts of stuff.  Most of this was done, too, in order to help them to understand why I have behaved in what, to them, is clearly such an extreme manner in reaction to bullying at work.  By going sick!  And by staying sick!  And by showing symptoms of, as my GP observed, PTSD.  Simply through getting shouted at and having a few passive-aggressive remarks made to me.  Gosh, how over-over-over sensitive I am!

Brought into sharper focus today, during the Occupational Health interview they'd set up for me with an independent work relations organisation.

'They don't seem to know what to do for the best,' said the woman, 'and are looking for any suggestions.'

She said she was intrigued that they sent her my job description, drawing attention to the fact that one of my job roles is to 'deal with challenging behaviour.'  She said she could only impute from that that they were saying I ought, then, to also be able to deal with a challenging colleague.

This seems to be the best they can do.

So I say again.  If that's how they are... then what hope have we got of improving understanding in people who have even less of a clue?

Well, judging by my experiences in trying to convince the neurotypical staff and management at my workplace - an autism care charity with mandatory training for all staff in understanding autism - it is most definitely a waste of time.

I've spoken at length to them.  I've written pieces to help them get at least some perspective.  I've done all sorts of stuff.  Most of this was done, too, in order to help them to understand why I have behaved in what, to them, is clearly such an extreme manner in reaction to bullying at work.  By going sick!  And by staying sick!  And by showing symptoms of, as my GP observed, PTSD.  Simply through getting shouted at and having a few passive-aggressive remarks made to me.  Gosh, how over-over-over sensitive I am!

Brought into sharper focus today, during the Occupational Health interview they'd set up for me with an independent work relations organisation.

'They don't seem to know what to do for the best,' said the woman, 'and are looking for any suggestions.'

She said she was intrigued that they sent her my job description, drawing attention to the fact that one of my job roles is to 'deal with challenging behaviour.'  She said she could only impute from that that they were saying I ought, then, to also be able to deal with a challenging colleague.

This seems to be the best they can do.

So I say again.  If that's how they are... then what hope have we got of improving understanding in people who have even less of a clue?

Martian Tom said:

an autism care charity with mandatory training for all staff in understanding autism

Yeah, but what's the quality of the training and how well "stuck to" and emphasised is it by management?  Is there periodic refresher training etc. etc?