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When work is challenging as an autistic

Homebird

I wonder what other people's experiences are.

I used to work in an office which wasn't too bad when I was in a small team. Then came hot desking which became less comfortable as there was always the decision where to sit. I guess I masked the difficulty to a certain extent. Then we moved to a completely open plan building. I had to develop strategies for coping, but often felt exhausted, particularly as no quiet spaces.

When lockdown arrived I breathed a sigh of relief as I worked from home at the same desk with familiar surroundings. Since then there have been challenges, but at least if I feel upset I have a private place.

I realised recently how important this was for me when the remote access broke down and we either had to take leave or go into the office. This caused panic. Fortunately I have told my employers about being autistic and I took a day off, but then had to go in. Being in made me realise what a challenge it is both because it is noisy, finding a seat and moving around with so many people. I was relieved after 2 hours to be told it had been sorted and I could return home. When I got home I relaxed. In the office I kept getting a blank feeling where I had to remember what I was doing. I don't think a lot of my colleagues understand why I prefer to be at home.

Parents

  • I worked in a very open-plan scientific research institute, hot desking for postgrad students and technicians, desks in smaller but still open-plan offices for post-docs and suchlike - glass everywhere, virtually nowhere entirely private. Even the single occupancy offices for more senior people had glass walls. A complete nightmare. Even after I got my own office, I still spent time in the disabled toilets (there were many) or sat at the top of a stairwell that led to the roof, just to be on my own and away from constant observation. I think that the building had a negative impact on my health.

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  • I worked in a very open-plan scientific research institute, hot desking for postgrad students and technicians, desks in smaller but still open-plan offices for post-docs and suchlike - glass everywhere, virtually nowhere entirely private. Even the single occupancy offices for more senior people had glass walls. A complete nightmare. Even after I got my own office, I still spent time in the disabled toilets (there were many) or sat at the top of a stairwell that led to the roof, just to be on my own and away from constant observation. I think that the building had a negative impact on my health.

Children