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I like, many people with ASD or Autism, can struggle to get a full time job.  It can then feel like a full time job just keeping it.  This I feel is because of communication difficulties, general interactions and the stresses of the environment caused by our sensitivities (or maybe lack of).  This is just a few.  I only was diagnosed having been misunderstood, put on Capability Review for being considered unable to do the work despite trying to understand the requirements, and considered to be not trying!  Only after I felt I had to leave was I diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.  That was a big relief.  Unfortunately I know I was just the latest to learn via this route, and many have followed I am sure.

Neurotypicals can say we cannot communicate properly, or fail to understand their communications.  Our communications can be direct, considered rude, or maybe we only communicate as we feel is necessary, just get on with our work.  Neurotypicals on the other hand can be very indirect, and long winded in requests, expecting updates on our work lists, which they do not themselves give!

After being diagnosed I also learnt that small talk, about apparently irrelevent subjects, including clothes, make up, what we did last night etc is considered essential for social bonding.  Discussions about interests (or is it obsessions?), in my case Lord Nelson the famous admiral, who won the Battle of Trafalgar, on the other hand were not considered bonding topics.  As a result we can stand out, especially as it can not be obvious when to join a conversation, how, for how long!!!

I could write a long essay about how the environment around us can cause major stress and tiredness.  These are commonly sights, smells, light, textures and movement.  I personally suffer from major sensitivity to light (I have spent my life being told off for ruining photos for squinting due to the direct sun torturing my eyes), and seeing movement out of the corner of my eye.  In one place of work I had to wear my own top under the official top, as it was so scratchy for me!!!  Trying to filter these out can be exhausting and misunderstood.  Others really suffer from oversensitivity to smells textures.  I’m sure I’m barely scratching the surface of sensitivities.

I have not even mentioned other major issues leading to misunderstandings of our characteristics and strengths.  Many people can consider Autism to be a disability, a negative.  However as Tony Attwood says it is a ‘Difference not a defect’.

I am writing up information based on my experiences on getting and retaining work, before I knew I had autism.  I would like to help companies and other organisations learn to understand and work with people with autism and believe my personal insights will shine a light on our personal worlds.

We have so much to offer, if given the chance to flourish.  Think of Temple Grandin (cattle expert), Alan Turing (broke the WW2 Enigma Code), Anthony Hopkins, Gary Numan and Eninem and Nicola Tesla (AC Electricity).  Bill Gates (Microsoft) and Steve Jobs (Apple).  All of these people have autism, or major autistic traits. The world would be a very different place without these people.

If you would like to discuss the above I look forward to feedback.