How can I manage autistic shutdowns at work when accommodations haven't been implemented?

I’m autistic and have been experiencing shutdowns specifically triggered by interactions with my manager. These shutdowns are involuntary — they’re not something I can control — and they result in hours of mental recovery time and lingering dysregulation, including sleep disruption. As a result, they’re significantly impacting my productivity and well-being.

I’ve worked with hundreds of colleagues in past roles without this issue, so I believe it’s not about the job itself but the specific dynamic. I’ve already directly requested accommodations from both my manager and HR — including structured meetings, clearer communication, and more processing time — but no changes have been made.

Some of the challenges that contribute to these shutdowns include:

  • Meetings are run without an agenda, making them difficult to prepare for.

  • Discussions are rapid-fire, full of constant context switching, with little room to process or respond.

  • My manager tends to interrupt, redirect, or dismiss my thoughts before they’re fully formed.

  • He often responds to concerns by deflecting to HR or asking for “proof,” making it feel invalidating.

  • The environment lacks psychological safety, especially for neurodivergent communication styles.

Despite trying to self-regulate, the impact on my health is growing, and I’ve lost sleep due to stress after these episodes.

What are my professional options now, given that accommodations have been requested but not implemented?

I’m looking for guidance on how to advocate for myself further or protect my well-being while staying professional — ideally from others who have navigated similar challenges in a corporate environment.

Parents
  •  A sensible reply from Bunny.

    As someone who has / is going through similar with regard to reasonable adjustments. My career has been effectively ended by forcing me to be redeployed. I suspect that will lead to dismissal as I doubt that another suitable role will be found. I keep getting suggestions for lower graded 'opportunities' that I would not have a clue to do let alone a 10K drop in money.

    I have taken out a grievance and that is another story. I would say look at your employers grievance policy. Do you have access to occupational health? I would make sure you at least speak to your GP to get it into your notes about the reasons for the shutdowns and the toll they are taking on you.

    I would normally advocate for union involvement but in my case this has been ineffectual. I instigated ACAS conciliation but my employer refused. That leaves me with an option to start a tribunal claim.

    Please be aware that following this path is going to be very demanding for a NT let alone a 'lateling', so I have a decision to make.

    Also I would point you to the website Valla. This is all about the tribunal process and what it entails and offers a platform where you could 'do it yourself' as legal representation can cost upwards of 20K for a straightforward case. However, I have been told that the tribunal process is designed that a lay person can do it. Even that there may be more leeway with the judge as you are not legally trained.

    This is my story and is not legal advice. Good luck.

Reply
  •  A sensible reply from Bunny.

    As someone who has / is going through similar with regard to reasonable adjustments. My career has been effectively ended by forcing me to be redeployed. I suspect that will lead to dismissal as I doubt that another suitable role will be found. I keep getting suggestions for lower graded 'opportunities' that I would not have a clue to do let alone a 10K drop in money.

    I have taken out a grievance and that is another story. I would say look at your employers grievance policy. Do you have access to occupational health? I would make sure you at least speak to your GP to get it into your notes about the reasons for the shutdowns and the toll they are taking on you.

    I would normally advocate for union involvement but in my case this has been ineffectual. I instigated ACAS conciliation but my employer refused. That leaves me with an option to start a tribunal claim.

    Please be aware that following this path is going to be very demanding for a NT let alone a 'lateling', so I have a decision to make.

    Also I would point you to the website Valla. This is all about the tribunal process and what it entails and offers a platform where you could 'do it yourself' as legal representation can cost upwards of 20K for a straightforward case. However, I have been told that the tribunal process is designed that a lay person can do it. Even that there may be more leeway with the judge as you are not legally trained.

    This is my story and is not legal advice. Good luck.

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