Published on 12, July, 2020
I have a difficulty in that I've been working in a school as a learning assistant. When I was just doing the two days on voluntary placement I managed, actually enjoyed the work. But now I've been employed full time at the school, which of course I'm grateful for, I get serious social fatigue. I can just about deal with the interactions moment by moment, lesson by lesson (though I'm very much like a person pushing a balloon under water to pretend it's not there). But now I can't deal with any more social interactions outside of work, like all my social energy is going into the priority of work, and I'm concerned that it's going to affect other personal relationships such as with my boyfriend, even my family even though I know they will be ok if I can't attend family stuff. It's getting to the point where I can't see how I can keep this up long term. I'm referred for the autistic diagnostic pathway but have no official diagnosis. At present I just socially burned out and struggle to be with other people because all my social - interactive energy has been used.
Can anyone relate to this? And if so how did you deal with this?
I used to work in a school and was able to walk to get transport home. That helped me unwind.
I now do office work but from home. However when I worked in the building I tried to go for a walk at lunchtime.
I much prefer walking - it helps me unwind. It’s great that yo7 can work from home - my husband did this during the pandemic and he much preferred it. I think there are jobs that really suit many autistic people - it’s just finding them. My eldest has really struggled with this - he has worked in many offices and found them pretty unbearable.