Aspergers in the workplace

Aspergers and holding a job.

We'd like to hear how you cope with that. Things like the work environment, lunch times, breaks, social occasions or even having a meeting?
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Before becoming a freelancer I had several jobs, all of which were extremely stressful!

At lunch times I was OK if I went to meet my boyfriend or a friend who worked in the same town but otherwise I would have to sit on my own and eat, then I would go back to my computer and check my emails.

I tried to avoid Christmas parties as much as possible but when I did go I would latch on to someone I felt safe with and stay with them for the whole evening. A few times I had to leave early just because I didn't know what to do and I had no one to talk to. The thought of any party fills me with dread although sometimes they are OK.

Because I had trouble communicating with my colleagues I got a bad reputation and people often didn't like me because they thought I was a snob or unfriendly.

As a freelancer I find that most of my work involves being alone or being part of a very small team and I much prefer that to the large open plan offices I was in before. I also get to have lunch when I want and I don't have people phoning me every 30 seconds so it's a lot less stressful.

I think there are definitely jobs suited to people with an ASD, it's just a case of finding them and thinking carefully about the type of environment that you can thrive in.

Like I mentioned in a 'Tweet' to you earlier Rachel, I sat here reading your post and feeling like I had written that myself! You have just described my own work traits to the letter and what a great feeling it has given me that I really am not the only one!

I haven't mentioned particularly about my own AS, I mostly talk about my son Alex - I think, and this is typical of me that I have these feelings that I don't deserve to say I have AS? It's really odd, I'm not in self-denial its just I'm so critical of myself I, well its hard to explain... perhaps because I haven't been officially diagnosed I think that I'm not allowed to say that I have AS, it's crazy I know, all indications lie that way and all my life I've been coping (unknown), on my own with it!

I'm going to write a little bio about my life because since I created the forum in the first place I should come out, put my hand up, stop being so self-critical and stand up... for once!

A big thanks to you Rachel, after reading your post it really has induced a flame inside. [img]https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_biggrin.png[/img]

Hi Neil,

I'm in the same boat as I haven't been diagnosed either. I've known for some time that my behaviour doesn't fit normal social patterns but it is only recently through reading about the condition that I've realised I have AS, or something very similar.

It's great to find other people with similar life experiences and I'm looking forward to reading more.

office politics really confuse me...i thankfully work in a micro team of 3, so it isnt as stressfull as it could be in a larger team.

It is when people say things and dont follow them through...i dont get that, never have. If you arnt going to do something...why say you are???

Apart from that definatley working in a very small team...lots of working on my own and only attending meetings when i absolutley have to seems to work for me. In one sense i am lucky as well as my employer has rigid policies and procedures..which i find comforting to follow...also the nature of my work is good, i work alot 1:1 with students which suits me too.

I had my asd unofficially confirmed by my daughters community mental health CPN about 8 years ago...i am often too consumed with my daughters care, i forget about me...till now that is!! Thank you!!!!! [img]https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_bounce.gif[/img]

I work in a micro team too! It's just the four of us and we work well together - our boss is amazingly down to earth and often sits with us as he hates being alone in his office!

Problem is, tomorrow I am moving to a sub-division after 9 years, doing exactly the same thing and with people I know... however that isn't the problem, lol, the problem is I am anticipating some kind of farewell! [img]https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_pale.gif[/img] I hate being the center of attention and I am really worried - yet another predicament for the aspie with no escape plan sought! Im going to have to ride this one out I think! Put my best 'acting' suit on... I'll write about my experiences tomorrow!

remember you are a thesbian!!! look forward to seeing how you coped with it...good luck!! I dont like being the centre of attention either, you will never see me on a Karaoke put it that way...lol

Yes, Thespian, gosh hope I will pull it off tomorrow... i already have flutterflies in my stomach and that isn't the chilli pizza I ate tonight! [img]https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_biggrin.png[/img]