Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi All,
I've got Autism and ADHD. I'm applying for jobs at the moment. Most of the roles I've applied for haven't asked if I need reasonable adjustments so I haven't asked for them but I'm struggling.
The challenges I've identified are that 1) I massively overprepare for interviews due to uncertainty, 2) when they ask questions that I haven't foreseen and scripted I can get knocked of course, 3) With questions relating to work history and achievements I can give strong factual answers but my autobiographical memory isn't great, 4) I can't process my thoughts, prioritise, and order them sufficiently before I need to answer, so my answers are often longer and more rambling than wanted (my brain works from the details to the headline by talking or writing which I can't do in interview).
Can anyone tell me about what reasonable adjustments they have benefited from, or that might benefit me and other autistic people when approaching and attending interviews?
Many Thanks
Hi and welcome to the community!
The NAS has some great resources for employers, which include a list of reasonable adjustments that they might consider making for autistic interviewees. Perhaps you might like to request some of them:
Interview adjustments
The same article includes other suggestions, including alternatives to traditional interviews and inviting a supporter to accompany the interviewee.
You can also access separate articles with advice about seeking work, and about support at work here:
Employment