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Opening up about autism at work

Squid

Hi everyone 

I'm new here. I'm currently off work for a couple of months due to general mental health issues. Part of this is that I'm just starting to work through that I'm likely autistic. I've been referred for an assessment by my GP (which will take months to begin) but I know myself really well and I think it's extremely likely that the assessment will say I'm autistic. I've felt that I might be for years but have never built up the strength to do anything about it.

I work in a job/role that really isn't that compatible to my autistic traits but I've masked so long and so well that no one would really know how deeply uncomfortable and distressing it is to me on a day to day basis. This period off work feels like the culmination of me trying to cope for years and years and finally getting to my limit.

I'm really keen that this is a turning point for me where I'm really open with my work about things because this feels like a huge opportunity for me to change my life for the better by finally just being open and honest. But this is also terrifying me and I keep getting stuck on the "but they "know" me as this person so how can I then be like, actually that isn't really me, I've just been incredibly good at masking for a long time" thought pattern.

I'd love to hear anyone's experience of this kind of thing or tips on how to approach it cos at the moment I'm trying to make my way through it without a clue what I'm doing or what I could do.

Thank you Heart️ 

Parents

  • Hi  and welcome.

    I am sorry you are having a tough time.

    Work is such a big part of our lives and when we are in a role that isn't suited to our nature, it's heavy.

    I love your positivity, how you see this current situation as a turning point for you to make a change for the better in your life. That's inspiring. 

    I am recently diagnosed and I don't feel ready to tell work colleagues because their attitude whenever neurodiversity comes up in conversation is that we are all on the spectrum somewhere, which hurts me.

    I don't feel suited to the role I'm in either. I find it challenging on lots of fronts. I have been having some online training sessions that have a different theme each week. After the boundaries and assertiveness session I tried to put it into practice at work but it didn't go well. I think it's because I'm the one who always keeps the peace, resolves arguments is always positive and happy, colleagues just aren't used to me advocating for myself.

    The sad thing is I am the polar opposite of everything I appear to be. My therapist has told me start small..ie...just say something like "I'm not feeling great today". Even this feels hard, it feels like taking too much room up.

    I'm pleased you are off work and hopefully you are able to turn things around.

    Sending warm wishes your way.

    (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠Heart

Reply

  • Hi  and welcome.

    I am sorry you are having a tough time.

    Work is such a big part of our lives and when we are in a role that isn't suited to our nature, it's heavy.

    I love your positivity, how you see this current situation as a turning point for you to make a change for the better in your life. That's inspiring. 

    I am recently diagnosed and I don't feel ready to tell work colleagues because their attitude whenever neurodiversity comes up in conversation is that we are all on the spectrum somewhere, which hurts me.

    I don't feel suited to the role I'm in either. I find it challenging on lots of fronts. I have been having some online training sessions that have a different theme each week. After the boundaries and assertiveness session I tried to put it into practice at work but it didn't go well. I think it's because I'm the one who always keeps the peace, resolves arguments is always positive and happy, colleagues just aren't used to me advocating for myself.

    The sad thing is I am the polar opposite of everything I appear to be. My therapist has told me start small..ie...just say something like "I'm not feeling great today". Even this feels hard, it feels like taking too much room up.

    I'm pleased you are off work and hopefully you are able to turn things around.

    Sending warm wishes your way.

    (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠Heart

Children
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