Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi all,
I was diagnosed with autism 3 years ago as a 30 year old man and at that time I had a decent quality of life, a good job, a great social life and wonderful home life. However even with this life I ended up with quite severe depression which after a while resulted me in receiving the diagnosis of having autism. It’s obvious now that throughout my life I was continuously masking just to get through each day and to survive so to speak.
Now that I’m more aware about myself and allow myself to be truly me, I find it extremely difficult to be happy sometimes which may be the case for some of you also. I particularly find it difficult in gaining employment once again which is more suitable to my needs and also being social making friends who accept me for how I am and for who I am.
With this in mind I’m genuinely curious to see what is the biggest issue you find or struggle with as an autistic individual?
Thank you for taking to the time look at this and hoping your having a good day!
Social interaction is my biggest issue which affects my well being in a negative way. Having said that, if i am in a work environment, talking with the public is easier to handle. I havent a clue why this is.
Tulip52 said:I havent a clue why this is.
Potentially scripted predictable interactions with fewer expectations than socialising?
Yes thank you that explains it.
Also, perhaps, social interaction can be pointless and a waste of energy where as in a work setting there is a purpose?
You are so welcome!
Thanks guys, you've explained to me now why the book I recommend in my bio was so transformative to me in my twenties.
It taught me effectively HOW and WHY small talk / socialisation is so important in life,
Tulip52 said:Also, perhaps, social interaction can be pointless and a waste of energy where as in a work setting there is a purpose?
Absolutely! (Unless you are socialising with other autistics!)
You are welcome!
Exactly, pointless interaction risks zapping our energy, so we maybe ptotecting our wellbeing. In a previous employment, we worked from home. My colleagues would regularly call each other for a chat. I didnt. I had to and or wanted to save my talking for the purpose of my job. There was no way i was putting myself under additional pressure to fit in. I didnt know i was autistic then.
Going back to the original question of the post, i want to work on my own, i want to do my job and be myself. The employer likely have a more productive employee x
Interesting that you should say this.
I think one of my problems is that if I don’t think there’s “anything in it for me” then I will conserve my energy, so pointless social chit chat with people I know will never become friends is really difficult. My brain just won’t supply the energy.
But it seems so much easier online.