Explaining what ASD is.

I may have a job interview coming up soon and they know I'm Autistic. When I disclosed it to my current employer at HR they asked me what it is, how does it affect me. I explained its a spectrum and everyone is different, but its like asking someone to explain what being 'normal' or 'NT' is like. Being Autistic is normal, and as we're born with it and don't know any different. Does anyone have any advice on how to sum it up quickly, incase  its brought up in the interview? I get mind blank in certain situations, like shut down. I'm anxious incase they think being Autistic will have a negative effect on them employing me. Thankyou.

  • It's the exact same script I use in interviews, 

  • Thankyou Blue. You've made some helpful points there.

  • Interviewer :

    "What is Autism ?"

    You :

    " Autism is a Neurological Developmental Disorder that affect the way in which I interpret the world, It doesn't necessarily affect my intelligence but does cause me a range of difficulties with communication and sensory processing which can easily be overcome through some reasonable adaption such [Example of an applicable reasonable adaption in the workplace]." 

    "Even though I have these difficulties with communication & sensory differences I have an extensive understanding of myself and my weakness like any other employee & as such with the right opptunity & right measures in place like any other employee I can become essential and productive assets to your workforce."

    "I understand that the prospects of hiring someone with additional needs can be daunting, But if I can kindly request is for you to be mindfully understanding that me being on the autism spectrum can bring a wide range of advantages to your company and your workforce."

    "Autistic individuals like myself have a wide range of specific skills that majority of typical employees lack or are extremely poor at. These skills include being extraordinary capability for alternate problem solving while being precise and detail orientated."

    "By considering me for this opptunity you may one step closer to becoming more inclusive workplace which may provide [The business or company] with a positive employment statics which may benefit the [The business or company] in positive way in the near future."

    "Large Companies like Microsoft & Google have recognised huge advantages since seeking autistic employees with massive increase productivity and increase moral since encouraging Neurological diverse workforce."

  • What happens there, stays there. :)

  • Vegas! I've used this... This is SUCH a great explaination. 

  • Haha yes! I just meant in general. It's ironic isn't it,  that one of the difficulties with AS is communication and its so difficult to explain to someone what it all means.

  • yes u have to be careful u dont drop into a vent say at an interview Slight smile

  • Whenever I have to explain to someone I just tell them that my world is like living in a Las Vegas Casino - everything is grossly overstimulating and amongst all that noise, I prefer things to be clear and concise - ambiguity or sudden changes causes me stress so I just need prior warning if possible.

    I try to keep it short and simple so they don't register it as a massive problem for employment.

  • its like asking someone to explain what being 'normal' or 'NT' is like.

    Never thought of it like this before! 

  • just say it is a neurodevelopmental  disorder so that your brain is hard wired differently to that of the typical brain. It manifests it self in different ways for each person.   

    eg some people can be a wee bit  antisocial,  some have obsessive interests which can be very useful

    but with  the right opportunity autistic people make very good employees so much so Microsoft goes out of its way to employ Autistic workers.

  • Thankyou for your reply  I will take what you said with me in my notes. That's helpful. You're right about direct speech. I often find myself decoding work emails or what someone has just said to me. 

    The youtube guy is good. I'm subscribed to him Thumbsup

  • I might point out your strengths. Many can critically evaluate and problem solve in much more efficient ways than NeuroTypical individuals. We all seem to love clear and direct communication. One of the biggest issues with How Autistic Individuals communicate is that it tends to feel 'offensive' or 'rude' for NeuroTypicals. I like to tell others my Telepathy skills are wanting. And gently reinforce with phrases like, "gosh I really wish I could understand what you're saying"

    It's importnat to remember that Autism isn't sort of an Anything Goes 'disability'. It's now being called ASC: Autistic Spectrum Condition. I like this chap's explanations www.youtube.com/watch