Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello everyone!
I have just joined this community after completing yet another online self-test for autism.
So far, every online test that I have taken has suggested that I am probably on the spectrum and should consult with a professional about that possibility.
But its only now that I actually feel motivated to do that.
November 30th 2020, will mark four years of unemployment for me.
That's the longest I have been out of work in my entire adult life. I am 47 years old now.
Although there are neurodivergent people who are conventionally very successful in various jobs or business enterprises, I understand that the unemployment rate for people on the spectrum is much higher than that for the general population.
I am hoping that a diagnosis may ultimately lead to a strategy which would get me back into gainful employment.
But not into another call centre!
Been there, done that, don't see myself doing it again.
Although I have developed strong technical interests in my free time over the last couple of years, any job in tech would present precisely the kind of problems which I feel ill equipped to manage.
Working as part of a team, reading social cues, taking and giving feedback in a tactful way, etc.
In my youth, I feel that I was good at "masking" my oddness. But now, in my late forties, I feel that life is too short to pretend to be someone that I am not.
Hi, the waiting list for a diagnosis is long. Mine took about 2 years. Its worth knowing though to try understand yourself better. Good luck with the future employment goal.
Thank you!
Yes, the NHS is a bit swamped at the moment.
Figuring out how to broach the issue with employers is something I am taking seriously now. Simply masking as I have done in the past, will not work long term.
this is the catch 22 with a diagnosis of autism.
its good to find out but do u even mention it to an employer ?
My employers didnt know what to do and over reacted.
they had just been hacked by an autistic 14 year old boy which did damage to our organisation
anyways
ok option 1. go get a diagnosis but dont tell anyone
keep at you programming. i work with 4 developers everyday its a fast, stressful job. we are flat out on a covid 19 related software that needs completed ASAP.
I dont know how good you are programming so please describe what you can do programming wise
what programming language ?
if u are well off do a IT degree.
have u thought of doing some IT qualifications ?
Option 2 after 2 years in your next job
go get a diagnosis and decide then if u are going to tell your employer
other ideas
look out for civil service recruitment for all civil service positions and for their IT department
do the recruitment assessment tests
they now have an autism friendly team within their IT and have policies etc
if u get in there its flexible work and a union and reasonable help.
Also more woman friendly.
apprenticeships
take a look at these as well but even they made need GCSEs
finally
this is probably the worst time i have ever seen to be looking for a job so dont be too hard on yourself.
what have u worked at before ?
Awesome. Thank you!