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The perks of having autism at work!

Lyndsay

I'm 15 years old, and I recently completed my work experience at Waterstones, the bookshop. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there, and aspects of my autism helped me excell in the job! For example, I was constantly organizing the books and placing them alphabetically on the shelf. And when a customer asked for a specific book, I could remember where I had seen the book and quickly show them where it is. And even when the shop got busy and noisy, I was allowed to go and work somewhere that was much more quiet. My parents were concerned about me working in a shop, due to interaction with the public and the noise levels, but it turned out fine. I'll definitely be applying for a job at Waterstones when I am older!

  • That's my plan as well! What are you planning to study? Laughing

  • I plan on working at Waterstones as soon as I'm settled into Uni :D Nice to know they're approved by someone else on the spectrum! ;)

  • Lyndsay said:

    I'm 15 years old, and I recently completed my work experience at Waterstones, the bookshop. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there, and aspects of my autism helped me excell in the job! For example, I was constantly organizing the books and placing them alphabetically on the shelf. And when a customer asked for a specific book, I could remember where I had seen the book and quickly show them where it is.

    even when the shop got busy and noisy, I was allowed to go and work somewhere that was much more quiet.

    My parents were concerned about me working in a shop, due to interaction with the public and the noise levels, but it turned out fine. I'll definitely be applying for a job at Waterstones when I am older!

    yip, it always boggles my mind how soceity hasnt picked up on that yet, autistics can be very good workers,

    i've always been perplexed by the fact most nt's hate 'mindless tasks' like sorting files, naming them etc, my partner LOVES it he can sit and do that for hours, literally, it's a bit nuts to see him enjoy it so muchLaughing

    it's really good your work adapts to your autism and your needs that way, well done them, wish more were like that, i now have a wee bit more respect for waterstones

  • hi Lindsay - sounds like you got a lot out of your placement at Waterstones.  You sound very positive about the experience.  I've read before that employers who recognise the strengths of someone with ASD are pleasantly surprised with how useful that employee can be.  I hope you apply and get a job with Waterstones in the future.