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Diagnosis later in life and work

NAS88971

Hi!

I have just been diagnosed in my mid 40s but not sure how to move forward with this new information with regards to work. I have managed for 20 years in the workplace (I am a teacher) but do feel like it is getting harder, but not sure if this is due to being autistic rather than just age and my professions anyway. I have only told two close people at work so far.

My question really is if you were diagnosed later in life, did you change how you work, ask for support or adaptations etc. I really don't want to be treated differently but then know as a professional myself I do what I can to meet the needs of autistic students in my classroom! Should I speak with occupational health? Light sensitivity and screen time is one thing I struggle with at times but a lot of work these days is online.

TIA for any advice.

Parents

  • I disclosed to my employer. 

    On a whole the were very supportive. I mainly asked for transparency in communication and for meetings regarding my professional development (I.E supervisions) to be done in a one to one basis in a room with reduced stimuli and for me to be given time before signing documents. 

    one thing I’ve found is that I’ve had to ‘remind’ people on my communication style particularly in group meetings. I make quick exits to avoid small talk and my manager is good at giving me a ‘task’ like setting up equipment for me to avoid small talk before.
    one thing I find frustrating is when I say or do something and I’m met with the response ‘haha you are so funny’ with no further explanation or response. These don’t tend to be things HR can help me with. Also, people keeping me informed of their disabled relative well-being’s is well intended but hugely irrelevant. 

Reply

  • I disclosed to my employer. 

    On a whole the were very supportive. I mainly asked for transparency in communication and for meetings regarding my professional development (I.E supervisions) to be done in a one to one basis in a room with reduced stimuli and for me to be given time before signing documents. 

    one thing I’ve found is that I’ve had to ‘remind’ people on my communication style particularly in group meetings. I make quick exits to avoid small talk and my manager is good at giving me a ‘task’ like setting up equipment for me to avoid small talk before.
    one thing I find frustrating is when I say or do something and I’m met with the response ‘haha you are so funny’ with no further explanation or response. These don’t tend to be things HR can help me with. Also, people keeping me informed of their disabled relative well-being’s is well intended but hugely irrelevant. 

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