Question about ASD and the work force

[xSuperMario64x]

So I'll be graduating from college in May 2021, and I've been thinking about what kind of job I want and, most importantly, how it'll work with me. As many of you prob know I live with Aspergers/ASD and I've been worried about how i will go about finding a job that fits my needs, as well as when, or if, I should let my supervisor/manager know about my needs.

this question is particularly for people in the US; I don't know about other countries but here in the US the Americans with Disabilities Act states that businesses which meet certain criteria are required to make accomodations for people with physical/mental "disabilities." If you live somewhere that has a similar situation you can answer too, though really I'll welcome any and all answers.

so here's a question for all you out there who have ASD/Aspergers and the work force:
1. Does your supervisor/manager know that you have it (did you tell them right away)? Or have you held off on telling them until it's become an issue? Do you have a recommendation for when/how you should tell them?
2. If your supervisor/manager does know, have they made accomodations for you if needed? Would they be willing to make accomodations?
3. How did you go about finding the job you want? Did you have to hunt for a while to find it?
4. How do you like your job? It is sufficient for your needs? Is it too much?

I'm just a bit nervous about needing to find a job and I'd like some input/help. Thank you to everyone who answers

 

[Midoriya]

I was born with Aspergers/ASD and I’ve graduated from university and have a job now, so I’ll try to answer these.

1. Does your supervisor/manager know that you have it (did you tell them right away)? Or have you held off on telling them until it's become an issue? Do you have a recommendation for when/how you should tell them?

I told my supervisors/managers about my Aspergers/ASD as soon as I got the job and they were fine with it. They asked about it and how it affects things and daily life for me, but that’s it.

2. If your supervisor/manager does know, have they made accomodations for you if needed? Would they be willing to make accomodations?

They haven’t made accommodations (I haven’t really needed any), but I would say they would be willing to make accommodations for me if I really needed them.

3. How did you go about finding the job you want? Did you have to hunt for a while to find it?

Actually, I did not have to hunt for a while to find it. I got it thanks to family connections with them and so, I’m very fortunate and grateful to have had this job during the pandemic.

4. How do you like your job? It is sufficient for your needs? Is it too much?

I like it a lot. It’s self-paced, work from home, and pays pretty well. I really should mention though that this job is part-time, not full-time, so my answers to your questions may be skewed a bit. I haven’t applied for full-time jobs yet (I’m kind of waiting it out because of the pandemic and the fact that my state leads the nation in cases), so I have no idea how some of these things might work with a full-time employer. I really love working for my current supervisors/managers though, so I imagine if you’re able to find a place where the supervisors/managers are nice and willing to accommodate you, you shouldn’t have too much trouble.

Hope this helps.

 

[EmmaFrost]

I just received my diagnosis this year, so I have never been in a situation where I started a new job knowing I'm autistic/knowing how to advocate for what I need. Honestly, I would be really nervous to disclose my diagnosis simply because ignorance and ableism are two things that really exhaust me and make me shut down. I don't like opening myself up to experiencing ableism or to people treating me differently (via doubting my capacity and intelligence) based on information I disclose. I can definitely see the value in disclosing though, particularly if you need workplace accommodations like a quiet space or you need to be alone on breaks in order to recharge (instead of being expected to socialize with your coworkers).

I'm really happy to see other autistic people on here. I mean I know we're statistically everywhere lol, I just mean I'm happy there's dialogue about it on the forums.

 

[Alienfish]

Not from the US and currently unemployed but I'll try answer it as good as I can. Best of luck

1. Does your supervisor/manager know that you have it (did you tell them right away)? Or have you held off on telling them until it's become an issue? Do you have a recommendation for when/how you should tell them?
I usually told them at the interview so they know what they work with from start. I maybe wouldn't write it straight out in a resume or stuff, but yeah if you go far enough that you're getting job practice/internship etc, then yeah do tell them.
2. If your supervisor/manager does know, have they made accommodations for you if needed? Would they be willing to make accommodations?
Those places I worked at usually had people with some sorts of ASD diagnosis, so I think it's up to them for good or bad. So they kinda had some stuff they were working with and you could always get like, an extra break/shorter lunch etc. or such if needed depending on your situation as long as you worked those hours you should. If that was what you were referring too.
3. How did you go about finding the job you want? Did you have to hunt for a while to find it?
I got them from certain places that helps eg. people with ASD, school drop-outs or just people who have it hard in general. I don't think I could get one of my own just like that since I need small adjustments that is definitely not understandable unless you work with those people or have the diagnosis yourself.
4. How do you like your job? It is sufficient for your needs? Is it too much?
I've liked my jobs, but I don't think I wanna do re-tail again to be honest lol, I preferred my library jobs so much. Sometimes it was a bit stressful with some tasks, but yeah it's like, take a short break, maybe work those minutes before you go home and don't stress too much and make sure to tell your superiors if anything's wrong, or perhaps you rcontact person at the place that helped you get the job.

 

[Sharksheep]

I don't have Aspergers/ASD but have you checked out your college's career center/office? I'm pretty sure most colleges should have one. They would probably have additional resources to help you or at least point you in the right direction. They would be more familiar with ADA and other employment laws too.

 

[mayortiffany]

I don't have Aspergers/ASD myself, but my advice would align a lot with Sharksheep's.

If you are comfortable, reaching out to someone at your college to see what resources they have or where they can point to can be very valuable for they'll likely be able to advise you more about ADA and how it may interact with the other employment laws your state has. They may also be able to point you to local Aspergers/ASD groups that have more specific information and advice about navigating your city/state and the work force.

Re: job interviews, remember that they're not only an opportunity for the employer to interview you to see if you're a good fit, but it's also a chance for you to interview your employer and see whether they're someone you want to work for. Even if you decide to not disclose your diagnosis at this point, it can still be a good chance for you to get a sense of how accommodating or accepting your future workplace is in general before you end up committing to the job.

For this reason, my opinion is that it's likely best to disclose at this point, partly so that your employer is aware and partly so that you can get a better sense of how well they're reacting. For example, if they're very dismissive and rude about it, maybe that's a sign that that employer is not going to be a great fit for you and your needs down the line.

 

[neoratz]

i've only had one job in my life so far and it was retail so i'm pretty inexperienced myself.... take this with a grain of salt

1. Does your supervisor/manager know that you have it (did you tell them right away)? Do you have a recommendation for when/how you should tell them?
yes, when i had a job my boss knew! i told him right at the end of the interview because i wanted him to know i might struggle with some specific things. i was really nervous but he took it mostly well, i don't think he fully got it though cuz he kinda just went "haha everyone struggles at the start!". i think when/if you tell your manager is completely up to you and what you're comfortable with. i'd definitely recommend telling your manager if you're comfortable though. i think near the end of the interview is a good opportunity to bring it up, i can't quite remember how i did it though so i unfortunately don't have any advice there :(

2. If your supervisor/manager does know, have they made accomodations for you if needed? Would they be willing to make accomodations?
he was willing to make accommodations yeah! he wasn't as understanding as i'd hoped cuz i don't think he realized exactly how asd affects me, but he allowed stuff like very short bathroom breaks and my therapist silently monitoring me for one of my work days

3. How did you go about finding the job you want? Did you have to hunt for a while to find it?
i actually just found it cuz i live by a shopping center and they had hiring signs everywhere in the store

4. How do you like your job? It is sufficient for your needs? Is it too much?
completely honestly i hated it. it was extremely understaffed and it was very chaotic. don't let this discourage you though!!!! it's just a retail job (with Unique Circumstances) and i'm sure you're aiming for something different since you're coming out of college.

Re: job interviews, remember that they're not only an opportunity for the employer to interview you to see if you're a good fit, but it's also a chance for you to interview your employer and see whether they're someone you want to work for. Even if you decide to not disclose your diagnosis at this point, it can still be a good chance for you to get a sense of how accommodating or accepting your future workplace is in general before you end up committing to the job. ... if they're very dismissive and rude about it, maybe that's a sign that that employer is not going to be a great fit for you and your needs down the line.

^^^ yeah this!!! don't be afraid to ask your own questions during the interview

 

[ting1984]

1. I disclosed a few times, but not always. Sometimes it helped, particularly when I worked as a direct support professional assisting others with more severe disabilities; other times, it was a huge hindrance, and even cost me a substitute teaching job once (I almost filed a discrimination case against the sub agency for that, but I decided to let it go; long and frustrating story that I don't want to get into here). I would only disclose if you're going to work a job where you're 100% sure you will need some kind of accommodation due to the condition, and I'd do it in a very discreet way to a boss, not just any co-worker.

2. I received accommodations when I worked as a direct support professional. I have a small degree of dyspraxia that left me unable to perform a few physical restraints in the Mandt system that's required to learn and apply in most care settings. I did exceptionally well in the Mandt written portions (I was always a good test taker), and the clients I worked with were unlikely to ever need the restraints anyway, so the accommodation was made.

3. I never did land the job I wanted (I wanted to proofread dictionaries -- not a field that's in high demand, heh heh!), but I ended up working a number of different jobs that taught me many things that I've found practical and useful, so I'm thankful for that.

4. I'm no longer in the workforce due to COVID-19 and due to plans to have a child next year (I want to be a stay-at-home mom), but I spent most of last decade working as a substitute teacher or direct support professional in some capacity. It was sufficient for my needs at the times I did them. I did have some troubles managing student (and my own) behavior at times when I was a substitute teacher; I did much better as a teacher aide where I could deal with fewer students and thus manage fewer overwhelming social cues/sensory issues. As for direct support, that field often demands many long and unpredictable hours (as well as occasionally unpredictable and violent client behavior), so I tended to burn out after a year. I tried to work night shift whenever possible, again to manage fewer cues and sensory issues. I usually excelled in this position and was great with paperwork and cleaning, but few direct support agencies allow you to work just one shift all the time, especially with so many no-shows in the morning (sometimes the person who was scheduled to relieve me in the morning wouldn't show up, and by law, you have to continue working when that happens because clients with disabilities cannot be left unattended by staff because they cannot take care of themselves).

Hope that helps.