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Help, Advice and Services for autistic adult looking for first job?

NAS36220

Hi, I'm a 24 year old female recently diagnosed with Autism a few months ago. I have never worked mainly due to fear and anxiety, but lately I feel I could be finally ready to get a job. The problem is I have limited capability for work which means I'm not suitable for all types of work, I'm very specific on what jobs I would like to do. I'm the kind of person where if I don't like it, I won't do it... That may sound selfish but I have to be honest about it, I don't want to accept the first job I see and then let everyone down because I don't like it, you know? I want to be GOOD at my job and WANT to go to work every day.

I have a special interest in animals but these jobs are so hard to come by, I have a level 2 diploma in horse care but as I have physical illness also I cannot physically work with horses anymore which is so sad. I'm always up all night and sleep during the day so night work in a warehouse or something like this would be perfect for me. Another problem is that I don't drive, I've been too afraid to start driving lessons, so getting to and from work is an issue, combine needing work with animals close to my home that doesn't require me to interact with other people, you can see why it's hard for me to find a job...

I am so, so scared, but I want to work. Does anyone have any advice or tools I can use to get my foot in the door and stay in work long term?

Thanks in advance!

Parents

  • Hello and welcome to the forum! I was diagnosed with Level 2 ASD a couple of months ago. Feel free to read my profile.

    Try not to worry too much, you are not the only one on here that is trying to find their vocation in life. I am trying to find employment myself. I have a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT and a Foundation Degree in Computing, can I find work? Can I heck! The old, old story of "Not enough experience". It can be really disheartening!

    I would suggest that you look on Find A Job, there is a logo on the bottom of some positions that states "Disability Confident Employer". I would also suggest looking up organisations that are Disability confident. I know that Autism is actually a condition, however it is worth a look, because if you disclose that you have a condition, some employers will put you at the top of interview lists (Prioritise you).

    Don't worry, you will find your true calling eventually (I keep telling myself!).

Reply

  • Hello and welcome to the forum! I was diagnosed with Level 2 ASD a couple of months ago. Feel free to read my profile.

    Try not to worry too much, you are not the only one on here that is trying to find their vocation in life. I am trying to find employment myself. I have a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT and a Foundation Degree in Computing, can I find work? Can I heck! The old, old story of "Not enough experience". It can be really disheartening!

    I would suggest that you look on Find A Job, there is a logo on the bottom of some positions that states "Disability Confident Employer". I would also suggest looking up organisations that are Disability confident. I know that Autism is actually a condition, however it is worth a look, because if you disclose that you have a condition, some employers will put you at the top of interview lists (Prioritise you).

    Don't worry, you will find your true calling eventually (I keep telling myself!).

Children
  • in reply to CaliforniaDreamer95
    CaliforniaDreamer95 said:
    can I find work? Can I heck! The old, old story of "Not enough experience"

    Oh, trust me, it doesn’t always get better with experience. I keep being told I don’t have enough “relevant” experience. Apparently, what I’ve learned in 7 years of business analysis, project management, market intelligence research and consultancy has no use beyond those fields and, worse yet, beyond those exact sectors and types of projects I’ve worked on. A recruiter or HR department will only shortlist you now if you’ve done EXACTLY the same type of job before.

    Sorry, but with Brexit looming, everyone is playing it ultra safe, and most recruiters and HR people lack either the intelligence or courage (or both) to spot potential. Everyone is too busy protecting their own jobs rather than trying to smash it out the park.