Published on 12, July, 2020
One of my greatest difficulties at work is managing change. When there is a major change ahead I plan as much as I can and each day I tend to plan what order I will do things in. Some things I do in the same order every day.
This week I was thrown by a sudden one off change that was a change from the norm and I couldn't understand the reason for it. I ended up having a discussion with my team leader and getting quite emotional. To a NT I guess they would not understand the impact of a minor change with no warning, which affected my plan.
I was wondering if anyone could point to any useful information that might explain how this feels to an autistic person. I am not very good at explaining this myself.
Thank you for the additional links. I have saved one which explains very well to send next week.
Here are some articles that may be useful. The first makes the important point that difficulties with change are central to receiving an autism diagnosis.
https://theautisphere.com/why-autistic-people-find-change-difficult/
https://thinkingautismguide.com/2022/04/understanding-how-routines-can-help-autistic-people.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/women-autism-spectrum-disorder/202211/why-autistic-people-can-struggle-in-the-workplace
Homebird said:I often get told I just have to get used to it.
It annoys me so much when people say that and it shows such a lack of understanding of autism. If you were able to 'just get used to it' then you wouldn't be autistic
You are welcome! I hope these links help you explain your autistic needs to your employer.
Homebird said:So many things change now and I often get told I just have to get used to it.
Sorry this has happened to you, you should not just be expected to get used to it, especially if it negatively impacts you and your ability to work.
Your employer is legally obliged to understand your needs and provide prior notice for changes for example.
Thank you, those are very helpful and made me realize quite a few things recently that explain why work has been more challenging. They do know I have now discovered I am autistic. I used to be able to mask a lot. So many things change now and I often get told I just have to get used to it. I understand that, but just need them to understand what it feels like for me especially when things don't always seem to be consistent. That gives me a good start to ponder on
Hi Homebird
Sorry that you were distressed by a sudden change at work this week, I hope you are feeling more adjusted to it now? Does your employer know you are autistic?
Also I have found this article which explains many different experiences from the autistic perspective including sudden changes:
https://www.thearticulateautistic.com/15-things-that-bother-your-autistic-loved-one-that-you-may-not-even-notice/
Another article that may be useful as a starting point to cross the neurotype communication divide:
https://oolong.medium.com/starting-points-for-understanding-autism-3573817402f2
I hope this helps!