Employment for an autistic person can be crucial. The need for a sense of purpose and belonging is something that those with autism not only crave but is vital to live a happy, rewarding life. Daily structure, regular interaction, financial security and a solid place within an organisation are things that being employed can offer.
Unfortunately, a job can also be a psychological minefield. From those early few months in a new role to even after several years in a position, we are constantly dealing with new changes and situations that are thrown at us. Something that can cause uncertainty in anyone, however for someone on the spectrum it can be far more intense and exhausting.
Around 5 years ago, I began a job that initially seemed to go well. However, after just over 6 months I was terminated abruptly after failing to reach their required standard for the position. I’m not exaggerating when I say the experience almost destroyed me both literally and emotionally as I suffered a complete psychological breakdown and required hospital treatment. One of my biggest regrets now is that I did not challenge the decision at the time or question the procedures and actions of the company. In hindsight I realise I was not provided with enough feedback on my work to meet their required standard.
Sadly, my experience is not uncommon for those with autism. In the long-term, it challenges someone’s sense of feeling psychologically “safe” in the workplace, and it is often up to the autistic individual to essentially fight their way through it.
It’s well known that employment facts for autistic people make grim reading. According to the Buckland Review of Autism Employment – published earlier this year – only 3 in 10 autistic adults are in work. Those who are in work face greater obstacles.
Getting support from peers can be tricky as most are not mindful of what it can be like to have your employment threatened. If you are unfortunate enough to lose a job – for whatever reason – it can be devastating if you are an autistic person. When it happened to me I was afraid that I would never work again. This fear eventually escalated into severe emotional trauma. Thankfully I was wrong and eventually secured another job – but much of the damage had already been done.
The fear of losing a job stays with you after it has happened once. As a result, your mind can go into over-drive, and you panic almost every time you make a mistake. You second-guess yourself and begin doubting every decision you make. Catastrophising is common for an autistic person, and it can be difficult for neurotypical people to understand and empathise with this – instead you are simply accused of overreacting.
Employment requires strong emotional regulation daily. Whatever your role may be, you are almost always reacting to situations around you. Dealing with your manager, dealing with internal or external customers and dealing with interruptions to name a few. Those on the spectrum can struggle with this – especially if the situation itself is new. Emotions can run high and may appear somewhat extreme to those around you. But it is important to be mindful of reactions and plan for any potential stressors.
Understanding the lived experience of an autistic person is extremely important when providing training and eventually managing an employee.
So how can this issue be combatted? Well the solution can be complex but there are a few suggestions I can offer:
- Have regular catch-ups with your manager – especially true when in a new role. These don’t have to be formal (in fact, it’s better if they aren’t) but they can help address any issues before they get out of hand.
- Find an ally or mentor – particularly if you struggle or have personality clashes with your manager.
- Take notes of any mistakes or issues that arise. If you have an especially angry customer for example then always make a note of the date, time and details of what happened – especially what you did and what the customer said.
- Balance this out by taking note of any positive feedback either from outside customers or management.
- Always have someone with you during any formal meetings. This one is especially important as a witness can represent you and, if necessary, challenge any concerns with the employer (up to a point).
- Consider outside specialist employment support services. There are organisations available that have a more detailed understanding of autism and how it potentially could impact individuals in work.
- Finding successful meaningful work is possible if you are on the autistic spectrum – even after a major setback. You just need to know what the tools are to help you succeed.