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Hello - Introduction

orangutan

Hi all, hope if you are reading this you are well.

I am 22 - I was diagnosed in the summer of this year at the age of 21. It came as a bit of a shock, but not a surprise. I suspected it probably from some point in my teenage years onwards, but it wasn't until early 2023 when, after a chat with a few colleagues, I decided to start looking into being tested.

I work full-time. It took me a long time to find what was right for me, and I struggled a lot with secondary school and various college courses I tried. Thankfully, I found an apprenticeship and my workplace now is pretty relaxed - I haven't gone down the route of requesting accommodations as I haven't felt the need to. But, it does make a world of difference knowing that there is a "safety net" there and that there is the option of requesting changes if I feel the need to. That being said, I wouldn't quite know what to request so if anyone does have experience with this then replies on the subject would be appreciated.

Otherwise, I don't get up to much and it'd be nice to meet people with the same interests as me, whether you have autism or not. I am passionate about history and nature, and I enjoy video games, going to the gym, and bouldering. Feel free to reply or send me a friend request.

Thanks,

  • in reply to Andy

    Hi Andy, thank you for the welcome.

    This is super helpful, and I like the way of phrasing it as a way to boost productivity, as that is what companies are looking for at the end of the day. I'm still in the early stages of even just deciding what would help me, but this has given me some food for thought so thank you!!

  • in reply to Lotus

    Wow, that's awesome. It's nice to see it was taken so seriously, even if some luck was involved in the availability of the room. Thank you for sharing!

  • Welcome to the community!

    Enployers should embrace reasonable adjustments as it means a more productive employee, so have a think about areas you struggle with whilst at work and what could help. Could be practical solutions like ear defenders through to software like Grammarly etc. Flexible working is also a big one that can help autistic employees, but personally I have found my employer cause difficulties with this one. But hopefully you won’t have many issues. At the end of the day, if the reasonable adjustment is reasonable, is at low cost or free, and it means you thrive more and more productive at work, there is no reason to not agree the adjustments.

    You might always want to consider an autism workplace needs assessments, this can help look at your job role and what adjustments could help. 

    Good luck!

  • in reply to orangutan

    I'm retired now, but got adjustments in my last job. I had been working at a desk with a window behind me - causing glare on the screen, and draughts on my neck when it was opened - in a large office with people taking a lot of phone calls, and where the lighting tubes had just been replaced by blindingly bright ones.

    Luckily, just after I made the request a room became available on another floor of the building that I was given permission to turn into an office for me, and my assistant when she was in (as she worked mostly remotely). It was a lot quieter and I had full control of heating, ventilation and lights (I mostly left them turned off!)

  • in reply to Lotus

    Hi Pixiefox, thank you. I'm haven't been playing much at the moment, I've actually mostly been reading in my free time. However, off the top of my head, the Metal Gear Solid franchise is one of my favourites.

  • in reply to Alien0n3arth

    Hi and thank you. I like the art on your profile!

  • in reply to Mr T

    Thanks Mr T! I was more just curious about what other people have deemed necessary for them in order to make the workplace work better for them, as well as the process involved to get that arranged and whether there were difficulties.

  • Welcome to the club.

    Hope you find the support you are looking for.

    Regarding 'adjustments' there is not a one size fits all. They are specific to you and what is needed to overcome the barrier you as an individual faces.

  • Hi and welcome to the community! Looks like we don’t have much in common when it comes to interests, but it also took me long time to find a place that suits me, where I fit, and where my strengths are appreciated. I wish you find support and like minded people here!

  • Hi and welcome to the forum.

    I'm female, 64, and enjoy video games. What are you.playing at the moment?