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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

  • Hi! Sorry for the a later response.

    I'm a fairly new teacher as well in Primary schools so I feel the worry especially when you get diagnosed as an adult. I will say though the perk of it is that even though there's now an official piece of paper saying you are autistic, you yourself have not changed. Schools are getting harder to work in with the change in both the system and the students and unfortunately at the moment it doesn't seem to be improving. 

    I will say though even though it is daunting talking to the board and others in the school about it it can be beneficial, even if it is just to create mutual understanding of what you are experiencing through the day and in work. You can always put feelers out as well before explaining fully what is going on.

    I worked in a school for a week or so before saying anything out of fear of being judged or suddenly being viewed as incapable when I know I can teach well and love doing it. When I personally did it I spoke to the SLT and worked out a plan of what was needed for me to do my job the best. Obviously this was my experience and some schools may differ but from a teacher standpoint if we are able to adapt when students need it, we should also be able to when teachers need it as well.

Reply

  • Hi! Sorry for the a later response.

    I'm a fairly new teacher as well in Primary schools so I feel the worry especially when you get diagnosed as an adult. I will say though the perk of it is that even though there's now an official piece of paper saying you are autistic, you yourself have not changed. Schools are getting harder to work in with the change in both the system and the students and unfortunately at the moment it doesn't seem to be improving. 

    I will say though even though it is daunting talking to the board and others in the school about it it can be beneficial, even if it is just to create mutual understanding of what you are experiencing through the day and in work. You can always put feelers out as well before explaining fully what is going on.

    I worked in a school for a week or so before saying anything out of fear of being judged or suddenly being viewed as incapable when I know I can teach well and love doing it. When I personally did it I spoke to the SLT and worked out a plan of what was needed for me to do my job the best. Obviously this was my experience and some schools may differ but from a teacher standpoint if we are able to adapt when students need it, we should also be able to when teachers need it as well.

Children
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