Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi. I’m curious how many of us with autism work or study. I was terrible at school, couldn’t cope at all and was eventually taught at home. I’ve been attempting to integrate in the workplace for the last two years, I currently volunteer every now and then, there is the potential of paid work with this business in the end but it all relies on whether I can stabalise going in to volunteer/work. Generally I go in for a day or two and then I am hit by a wave of fatigue. I suppose it’s a result of anxiety, bordering on the line of burnout because it’s the worst fatigue I’ve ever had. I become so tired I feel dizzy and can hardly stand and then I need to rest and I literally can’t function for days after…
Rest and bed is required but whilst I’m like this I’m unable to properly work and it’s really frustrating, especially as the people I volunteer with have confirmed I could have a work position with them in the end. I tried seeking professional help but that was a dead end route.
Currently I just volunteer every now and then. I would love to do more but I physically and mentally cannot sustain this.
I do a lot at home, mostly hobby projects like writing and working on classic cars but because of this I am unemployed and somewhat reliant on my parents. They support me and help me with my daily struggles but they are older now, and not in the best of health, so it does concern me as to what will happen to me if anything were to happen to them. Though I try not to think about that too much.
I am curious how many here work or volunteer and study? I’ve tried but I can’t seem to nail it.
I have only ever had freelance jobs. I've been a runner in the TV industry and done some little writing/editing bits from home. The older I've gotten, the more I value stability.
I signed up to a paid training programme though, so fingers crossed that it goes somewhere.
Good luck with your training programme HMO I love the idea of working in TV and film. Growing up the idea of being an actress was so exciting, I used to do acting at home. I still do, I own many costumes and props I bought myself from ebay but I know it will never happen because of my anxiety. I would love to write for a TV show too, this is something I do currently though I've never sent any of my writing in.
Yes connections are everything with TV and films, music as well I believe for a lot of people. I think I would broadcast myself on YouTube to start, if I did it I mean. I think it'll always remain a dream for me.
The TV industry is very much based on connections. I got lucky in terms of getting into an entry level role but I didn't build on that. If it's something you're keen on, I'm sure you'll make it happen.