Hey everyone,
I have always known or felt different to most people, ever since childhood. Friends or family feel that I don't seem to present myself as stereotypically autistic, and have always been told I look 'normal'. Regardless of this, I have had many troubles throughout life around socialising and with keeping jobs. My last job was Mental Health Support Worker, something I have always wanted to do but found it very uncomfortable after just 2 days of being there. My job before that I had for 4 months, and prior that a year. I have many gaps in my employment and I feel that its because I find it hard to not be able to be myself in a strict environment with many expectations, and sensory difficulties. I have tried to cut down full time to 24 hours before and that was still a struggle. I have some supportive friends, but my immediate family don't understand- which has made it all very isolating for myself.
My main point being is that I feel that I cannot pursue work properly until I have some kind of support or validation, but until I do have a diagnosis I feel like I'm floating in between not sure what to do with myself.
Any advice on how I can help myself would be great- I feel that I cannot apply for PIP until I have had a diagnosis with the help of Psychiatry UK, which I will be following through with on Monday. I also am on a carers allowance for my mother in law, so maybe if I did try a 16 hour work week it would be best for me (to help me socially, structure routine, and of course financial help).
Thank you :)
