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Publication to explain Aspergers to my employer?

NickG

I'm 42 and waiting for assessment for an official diagnosis. I work with adults with learning disabilities, many of whom are at the severe end of ASD. I have had this job for 2.5 years. Previously I had never managed to cope with a job for long, but as this is a charity for disabled people they are much more flexible.

I have problems at work with overstimulation and trying to stop myself blowing up, and not knowing what they expect of me in different tasks. On the outside I appear normal, as far as I know, just maybe a little strict and my temper easily triggered. I'm not sure if sometimes I might appear rude to people.

What I would like to know is if there is any kind of publication to explain (succinctly) high-functioning ASD/Aspergers in adults, particularly with late diagnosis who may appear 'normal' on the outside.

I have tried to explain to my employers what the problem is and how we might adjust my routine, with the help of my psychologist, but I feel that they dismiss me as not having a problem. Maybe this is because I appear 'normal', especially with the severe degrees of ASD that many of our students have. They make me feel a little like I'm 'faking it' but I don't know if I'm misunderstanding them. My line manager said, "Well, I don't know much about it" (Aspergers). The manager has a son with Aspergers who has the reading ability of a five-year old and I think she compares me to him and dismisses me.

Is there anything out there that could help them understand what it is like to be like this when we appear 'normal' on the outside?

Thankyou for any help

Nick


  • Thankyou both, I will try that.

    One of my bosses says I should "show more empathy". I'm not really sure what she means. I understand the students have difficulties and I do what I can to help. It can be difficult to know what to do but I think most of the time I manage it. But I obviously can't feel like they do can I, because I am not them. I try and think "what would I like someone to do if I was in that situation" which works for some things which I might have experienced myself, but for others I can obviously have no idea what it is like for them.

    The problem is they see our students with severe autism, and then they see me; we are very different, so they don't think I have a problem too. At least thats how it feels to me.

  • I am 41 and HF Aspergers. I just tell people (rarely) that they may want to read up on Aspergers for a better understanding on how I am wired differently than they are. They are often surprised as I appear very normal. I come across to people as rude and dismissive, however I don't really understand the NT point of view. I would never say something rude to someone in a busines setting. My boss says it is my tone, WHAT?! The COO of the company says very rude and condescending things to people all day in a 'nice' voice. It is so superficial. Anyhow, (sorry for the tangent)  the link Kerri-Mod is very informative even for you to read. 

  • Hi NickG,

    I'm sorry that you are having difficulties explaining to your employer how your ASD affects you at work.  Have you had a look at the information on the NAS website for employers?  This page may help explain a few things and there are options for training, including online training modules.

    www.nas.org.uk/.../managing.aspx

    Hope that helps.

    Regards,

    Kerri-Mod