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Getting work to understand that I’m Autistic

2Weevils

Hi, 

I work for a charity and have been diagnosed as Autistic. I have also been diagnosed with ADHD and Anxiety disorder. I planned an overdose and commenced taking it as late as 6 weeks ago. 

Lockdown has been hell. Rushed away from work with no notice, working from home and struggling horrendously with the news and trying to get my routines back together. 

Now, on an enforced weeks leave they’ve made big changes to my job going forward. More work but no more money, more training, no consultation, no notice - nothing. 

I am so disillusioned with it it all. If I could find another more suitable job I would leave but you know how hard that is. I feel like it’s a constant struggle for them to understand I cope very badly with change and with change that’s sprung on me. I work so hard for them, even logging in at weekends to do emails just to keep up with things. 

I really thought they understood but now it seems as either they don’t care or simply can’t be bothered to do anything different for me. It’s driving me to the edge and I don’t know what to do. 

Thoughts?. 

ps. Sorry if it’s depressing. 

  • If you can face it, look for another job in an open-minded company. While you have work you have more space to look for something - or somewhere - that really resonates for you. The search might at least give you ideas as how to get work to listen. I'm registered with Able Futures.co.UK run by DWP that give you 9 months free support to help you stay in work. I have my first consultation next week so I can't say if it's any good but fingers crossed! 

  • in reply to aidie

    I do more than is asked of me and is detrimental to my health. It is their lack of consideration for me that is the issue. Their lack of foresight when they know only too well that I’m Autistic. 

  • sounds like you're a very good worker -- stop and think about that for a moment.

    now is not the time for rashness, but a steady calm approach.

    Do everything your employer asks of you. What else can u do ?

    I read somewhere u always have a choice if u work somewhere u hate to work

    either

    do you work and be unhappy

    or 

    do your work and be happy

    in short dont let things grind you down

    Heart

    .

  • It’s hard to say. 

    i have noise cancelling headphones but can’t really use them as I have to answer the phone whereas my previous boss wanted me off the phones dealing with more administrative matters. 

    no union as I work for a charity and we aren’t very large. 

    no fallback plan. I’d leave but we can’t survive without the money. 

    I'm just tired of trying to get through to people, trying to help everyone but being ignored and made to feel worthless. 

  • Ouch. I feel so sorry this has been so hard. I can understand to an extent.

    What in the way of 'reasonable adjustments' have been made so far?

    I'm referring here to the Equality Act (or whatever they call it now).

    I'd like to think that the ADHD and anxiety disorder would be enough to ensure that some adjustments could/should(?) be made. Others, what do you think here?

    Also, are you in a union? Others here, are unions that helpful with regard to difficulties like this?

    Finally, for now, do you have a fall back plan, if needed? [Aside from overdose, I know how that does feel viable for some of us, although not many of us like having it too much as our plan B.]