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:
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Meetings are run without an agenda, making them difficult to prepare for.
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Discussions are rapid-fire, full of constant context switching, with little room to process or respond.
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My manager tends to interrupt, redirect, or dismiss my thoughts before they’re fully formed.
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He often responds to concerns by deflecting to HR or asking for “proof,” making it feel invalidating.
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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.
