Work Issues and Autism

I think the difficulty of finding a job relates to losing interest in certain activities and wanting to experience something new which is fun and fulfilling. Also, while searching for work, you may have an idea of which job you want but once you read the job description for some reason it doesn't feel right. That is my opinion but I never thought I was on the spectrum until I did some self reflection fairly recently so this is just something I experienced. It was a case of connecting the dots and piecing together the fragments. I thought I was a misunderstood candidate and had the notion that it's the employers loss that they didn't give me a chance.

My employer doesn't know about my autism but I accepted and embraced it, I was able to tell a close relative, my friends and a work colleague who is also on the spectrum. To answer your second question, you could mention it to a work colleague who you are close to and say you have a certain way that you get tasks done and you don't like change or be flexible but willing to adapt. That question is hard to answer . Unless you want to reveal all, it might be better to just blend in. Only have that one person who you really trust and/or relates to you in the workplace. I might not be the best person for this second question because I have been blending in for a long time without realising it.

aidie said:

Autistic people are really good workers when they want to work. They just need a mentor who understands the aspects of your autism, and can keep an eye on you, and thus lubricate issues with other staff as they come up.  

This..

and especially the word "just".  Mentors are often voluntary as well, so this adjustment, which could make so much difference, isn't necessarily a cost to the employer.

I defaulted into 'I hate my Job' mode - back in my twenties - until I found it impossible to find long-term work.

I was so easily misled whenever I was younger.

Hello. This is my first post now too. I bet I've had more interviews than anyone ever has. In the last 4-5 years I've kept getting short temporary jobs every year lasting 3-4 months but then it's always took 3-4 times longer (almost a year everytime) to get a job again - even when i've been getting interviews almost every week over that time! Because a job interview is almost all the most difficult things my Aspergers' causes - ie. going to a new place, to talk to a stranger about a difficult subject, not knowing exactly what to expect... So frustrating because I always have the right answers in my head, I'm just not always giving long enough to get it all out in the right wording. I'm nearly always getting told in my feedback now - they're always mega pleased with how I come across + everything I did tell them, they just aren't getting quite enough information in some areas. If I was giving an extra minute or 2 to answer them a lot of the time, I could easily tell them more.

Thanks for replying, everyone.  I do have one more question: What job sectors / job types tend to be easier for people on the spectrum to work in? 

I’m late diagnosed so spent many years unable to keep jobs, even good ones, without knowing what was going on. My life changed when I went self employed and worked round my needs to much greater extent. I know it’s not for everyone, for me it was the only way to earn 

They do not understand and lack knowledge when it comes to autism. In fact, your employer should be grateful and proud because you have attained Masters in your field. There are jobs suited for those that have Autism and I am sure you will be able to find one that you will enjoy!

Can you request to see Occupational Health? They will discuss your needs with you and then offer suggestions to your employer as to what reasonable adjustments can be made. They are not affiliated with your employer so you can be completely honest with them. 

The problem will always be how receptive the employer is to being told. In theory they should be interested as your autism is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act but in practise, many aren’t all that interested, so without wanting to seem all doom and gloom, trying to explain to an uninterested employer may be an excersise in futility and as such it may be a better investment to find ways you can manage your traits in the workplace, possibly with the support of other workers there who may be more interested than the bosses.

I have found it hard to keep a stable job in the past mostly because I felt so out of place and struggled to manage my traits, so the advice is a bit rich coming from me I know, but what is clear to me is that you are a smart individual and you have a lot to offer any workplace :)

"I hate my employer more and more each day"

me too .

Just think of the money. Hold tight for a while we are about to go through a large recession. When its over, start secretly looking for a new job while still employed where you are.  

Try not to hate. Unfortunately It just builds up inside you and damages you. It will come out in interviews. Make a list of all the advantages you have working where you are to  turn the negative to a positive. Look at where you want to go and start using your current position to try and get experience in areas wanted by your new employer.  Buy yourself a reward every so enough for sticking at it. Quitting won't make you happier,  well it will for 1/2 days. I know because I have done that too many times  .  And it  will come up in the next interviews  "why did you leave your job ?".  "I hated my employer" or anything similar  is fatal 

yea me too  

some employers really dont care - from experiences I have read here and from personal experience.  As for "- Why do people on the spectrum have difficulties with finding or keeping a job? "  well this one is more complex. 

first over 50% of employers admit they wont interview anyone with autism. I can't remember where i got that figure. 

keeping a job - well NTs expect u to behave a certain way and if u dont meet their expectations they reject you. Autistic people are really good workers when they want to work. They just need a mentor who understands the aspects of your autism, and can keep an eye on you, and thus lubricate issues with other staff as they come up.