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
