Just So Tired..

[Robby]

I'm just mentally exhausted. I've done nothing but apply for jobs lately and none of them go anywhere. I am not severely autistic, but enough that my sensitivities really block me from doing what I want. These jobs all say must have speed or people skills which I don't have that much of. I can do tasks very well, but only if given time and patience. If given those, I can do anything as well or better than anyone else. I asked on another thread about whether to tell a potential employer on an interview that I'm autistic, and explain to them what it means and that I can actually be a good employee. Most of you told me not too. But, what happens once hired when you can't keep up, and the employer gets mad at you? isn't it better to be upfront about it at the interview time and explain to them? Like for me, I tend to have major problems with being overstimulated and auditory processing. It takes me awhile to get and absorb things sometimes. and my short term memory is not great. But I am highly organized, meticulous, courteous, and once charged with a task, and once I understand it, I will do it very well. Isn't that something that an employer should hear in a job interview, so that know what to expect? I mean isn't that better than messing up later on and then they'd say, "why didnt you tell me you were autistic or needed special help"?

I don't expect employers to hold my hands, but it seems few people even understand what it means for an adult like me to be autistic. People just have no clue what we go through, the smallest things can just drive me nuts and I am so sensitive to things like people's reactions or comments, and crowds or even the temperature, it's just exhausting.

I'm using my local Voc Rehab office so kind of hoping that helps me get a footing for some type of employment. But I'm afraid they'll treat me like I'm severely handicapped or something, which I'm not. I have a higher than normal IQ. But it seems I'm being lumped in with people with intellectual disabilities. I'm just really frustrated.

 

[wyverary]

I'm using my local Voc Rehab office so kind of hoping that helps me get a footing for some type of employment. But I'm afraid they'll treat me like I'm severely handicapped or something, which I'm not. I have a higher than normal IQ. But it seems I'm being lumped in with people with intellectual disabilities. I'm just really frustrated.

I don't know how it is where you are at, but when I first began VR, they performed an aptitude test, and promptly realized that my intelligence was WAY higher than those they usually dealt with. They helped me every step of the way with getting into school, which I start next month. Give it a try, exercise patience...it may work out better than you think.

wyv

 

[HisShadowX]

There is one employer here in Illionis where the job requirement is that you have Aspergers it's called Aspiritech

 

[The Penguin]

There is one employer here in Illionis where the job requirement is that you have Aspergers it's called Aspiritech

Interesting. I meet someone in my local area knows a company does something similar. I'm disappointed though this person didn't refer me to this company. No worries, I building my own business which is something I prefer to do. Anyhow, I feel we can use a good thread for employers prefer to hire people with Aspergers.

 

[Robby]

Well a lot of people seem to think having mild autism means you can be great at math but for me just the total opposite. I am terrible at math. I'm totally non-technical. I'm way more into writing, art, fashion, etc. Not into math or science at all. I can do data entry but only handle one or two tasks at once or I get overwhelmed. And customer service is out. I can't handle the constant bombardment. And as I said I have major problems with auditory processing. I need things to be clear, preferably written down, for me to understand them. They've already told me my aptitude is fine, in the normal to above normal range. I am going to give Voc Rehab a chance.

Ordinary people (I often call them muggles) just don't comprehend what people with autism go through. I don't describe myself as an aspie anymore because my doctor told me aspergers is no longer recognized, so I am just mildy autistic. But anyway, there are so many things I am highly sensitive to, like temperatures, noise, over-stimulation. And most of all people's reactions or being highly offended or sensitive if I feel someone is judging me or something. On the plus side, I'm basically a psychic and can read people extremely well, & always have a highly strong intuition and very attentive to details.

But finding employment that would actually work out has been a major struggle. I'm autistic, yet most people who don't know assume I'm normal. So I'm autistic but mild enough where I don't get much understanding, but severe enough that it keeps me from functioning well. Can anyone relate?

 

[The Penguin]

But finding employment that would actually work out has been a major struggle. I'm autistic, yet most people who don't know assume I'm normal. So I'm autistic but mild enough where I don't get much understanding, but severe enough that it keeps me from functioning well. Can anyone relate?

It no different me having a language based learning disability. Now this is a very complex disability. When people hear this title, they might assume someone might talk slow, and other other things. While this was true about myself during my childhood, I have improved a lot over the years. Despite of the improvements, reading and writing is still hard for me. People don't understand it takes me longer to process information. Also some people assume since I do well with something complex as software development, learning a language should be simple. The thing is, software development vs learning an language require different functions of the brain. I also learned since I moved to Nova Scotia very few people understand my disability compare to growing up in Ontario. I feel in Nova Scotia people with a learning disability is not important as they shut down the organization that handles this for this province a few years ago.

Anyhow, you already know it a tough battle to get a job. I think you only options is you need to network with people that can connect you with someone to give you a chance.

 

[HisShadowX]

Well a lot of people seem to think having mild autism means you can be great at math but for me just the total opposite. I am terrible at math. I'm totally non-technical. I'm way more into writing, art, fashion, etc. Not into math or science at all. I can do data entry but only handle one or two tasks at once or I get overwhelmed. And customer service is out. I can't handle the constant bombardment. And as I said I have major problems with auditory processing. I need things to be clear, preferably written down, for me to understand them. They've already told me my aptitude is fine, in the normal to above normal range. I am going to give Voc Rehab a chance.

Ordinary people (I often call them muggles) just don't comprehend what people with autism go through. I don't describe myself as an aspie anymore because my doctor told me aspergers is no longer recognized, so I am just mildy autistic. But anyway, there are so many things I am highly sensitive to, like temperatures, noise, over-stimulation. And most of all people's reactions or being highly offended or sensitive if I feel someone is judging me or something. On the plus side, I'm basically a psychic and can read people extremely well, & always have a highly strong intuition and very attentive to details.

But finding employment that would actually work out has been a major struggle. I'm autistic, yet most people who don't know assume I'm normal. So I'm autistic but mild enough where I don't get much understanding, but severe enough that it keeps me from functioning well. Can anyone relate?

I can, I suck at math but I am very good at details the company I mentioned for QA looks for our particular talent our eye for detail.

We have a unique talent regardless of ability we are very good at noticing at the little things and with the way we are wired it helps

 

[Tia Maria]

Robbie, I can understand your frustration & discontent if you're being grouped with job seekers who are at a lower intellectual level. Just take away what you can from the program & try to get something positive from it, whatever that may be. This is not the end of the road for you. You are still young & this is just the beginning. Eventually things will work out for you. I truly believe that.

Try not to become too discouraged - or let it overwhelm you - if you can, despite how difficult all this is. Although it is extremely disappointing (& exhausting) to interview & not get offered the positions, try to think of the positive aspect which is that every effort is a learning experience, & you are practicing & honing your skills. I know it must be extremely hard to stay positive, & of course there will be good days, bad days, ups & downs. I'm glad you found AC so you always have a place to share your feelings - happy or sad - disappointments, & good news.

I think you might want to try to identify what kind of positions would be a match with your intellect & abilities, but would also not require the kinds of skills that present a problem for you. Be realistic but at the same time don't underestimate yourself. Employers can (& will) make accommodations for special needs or disabilities if the person can do the job but needs an accommodation to do so. For instance, needing to write things down is a smart thing & not an "accommodation". But for a job that say, requires multi-tasking, there is no such accommodation for that. One can do it or not do it. On the other hand, no one literally does multiple things at the same time, so multi asking often means keeping track of multiple responsibilities & projects simultaneously. That requires organization & time management skills (which requires a keen ability to prioritize). The ability to focus is a highly valuable trait, but some positions do require that the job holder be able to smoothly transition between tasks &/or tolerate interruptions. Some things can be reasonably accommodated for, but there will be some job description requirements that are a necessary part of the job.

Could your new therapist assist you with some job coaching?

Also, although your therapist agrees with your self-diagnosis, aren't you still going for formal testing to be officially diagnosed? I would think that you are not technically 'disabled' as far as employment until you are medically diagnosed. The others here probably know better than me as far as disclosing or not disclosing Aspergers (once you get the diagnosis) but I am thinking it might be worthwhile to disclose it in the interest of better communication & understanding. I personally think this is a topic for further evaluation & consideration.

IMO don't think of your current job hunt as a search for the perfect job, or your dream job. The job market is NOT good. You want to get some experience on your resume/CV & also show that you really want to work. You won't be doing the same job or this first job forever. Many people are out of work, looking for work &/or underemployed. So don't be so hard on yourself either. Your proverbial ship will come in.