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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 struggle when working or socialising with groups of people, always have done. I've only recently considered myself to have autistic traits at the age of 54, now on the waiting list to be assessed.

    I had a change of career around 15 years ago now &  I've become a lone worker, this helped within a positive way, unless I need to go to the office for training, which I very much dislike. Even during my younger years of employment I very much disliked sitting within a canteen for my break with large groups of people, often I'd sit alone somewhere outside of the canteen or maybe with one other person. Looking back I just thought this was normal to feel the way I did & had no idea that autism existed. It's a triple whammy for me now if I go to the office for training as I have my feelings & emotions to cope with, along side the fact that their seats kill me & I struggle for days afterwards, as I also suffer from an autoimmune disease, chronic arthritic condition from around the age of 21. So I now basically struggle to sit or stand for long periods of time.

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  • I struggle when working or socialising with groups of people, always have done. I've only recently considered myself to have autistic traits at the age of 54, now on the waiting list to be assessed.

    I had a change of career around 15 years ago now &  I've become a lone worker, this helped within a positive way, unless I need to go to the office for training, which I very much dislike. Even during my younger years of employment I very much disliked sitting within a canteen for my break with large groups of people, often I'd sit alone somewhere outside of the canteen or maybe with one other person. Looking back I just thought this was normal to feel the way I did & had no idea that autism existed. It's a triple whammy for me now if I go to the office for training as I have my feelings & emotions to cope with, along side the fact that their seats kill me & I struggle for days afterwards, as I also suffer from an autoimmune disease, chronic arthritic condition from around the age of 21. So I now basically struggle to sit or stand for long periods of time.

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