• Replies 4 replies
  • Subscribers 81 subscribers
  • Views 1043 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Job application and mentioning autism

Neurountypical

I an applying for a job at a small independent SEMH school (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) and I am wondering if I should mention my autism in the personal statement portion of the application form, mention it if I get an interview, or not all?

I have only fairly recently realised that I have autism through reading up more about it (although I have studied it in the past), taking an online AQ test, talking to a friend who works with autistic teenagers (years of experience). Further more working in an SEN school has also helped me to realise that I am likely autistic.

I am only working part time at the moment so I don't have a lot of responsibility, when I was working in small Montessori setting with the 2-6year old class, I had more experience with Montessori then the other full time staff members and had a lot of responsibility placed on me which become stressful and overwhelming, too many thing needed doing. If I did work full time as a teaching assistant I would have more things to think about at work, reports and observations to write, meetings to attend. Due to this it would be helpful to me me if teachers were to explain things very clearly when they delegate to me, It would be helpful for me to write things that I need to later do or talk to someone about down,  if I have many tasks to do write them down. I might need to use a fidget during meetings or trainings.

Parents

  • I would suggest using the term NeuroDivergent if you're not professionally diagnosed. Let's say you don't feel the need for a diagnostic. If you find after years of interaction with autistic individuals you're not misunderstood, but rather feel a remarkable ease, then you may have a better grounded understanding of where the diagnostic criteria falls short or misses the point. 

    It's also good to note that we all take a little responsibility to make things easier for each other, especially in a work situation. I don't read between the lines and if I fully understand my role and responsibilities, I'll be able to do my job. That helps you. Being direct is an adjustment, but it's grounded in matters of Respectful Communication. Certain professions need this and Healthy communication styles incorporate this.

    On the other, perhaps the fidget is something you can do while working and focusing, this can be afforded while you're "doing you". In a meeting, I might personally resort to a little foot bounce or quiet tapping on my leg - an adjustment that works for everyone. In a classroom with ADHD children and Autistic children, they might have some opposing needs in order to learn. ADHD children might need to move & make noise to intake a wealth of information while this could be incredibly distracting for an Autistic child who work better when the world around isn't buzzing, chewing, tapping, flickering, etc. It's OK to go with the principle of respect which works for everyone. 

  • in reply to JuniperFromGallifrey

    Yes perhaps I should just mention that I am neurodiverse, I could mention it when talking about my current job and say that it means that I has helped me to relate to and understand the children better.

  • in reply to Neurountypical

    I would do a quick dive in to the difference between NeuroDiverse and NeuroDivergent. 

  • in reply to JuniperFromGallifrey

    To add: Diversity is part of simply being human. Diverging from the 'Norm' is quite different.

    NeuroDiverse: www.myspectrumsuite.com/.../

Reply Children
No Data