From the Shadows to Light: Navigating Workplace Challenges as a Neurodiverse Individual

October 13, 2023

By Sue Bayley

Laura Aura feels feels frozen in her fear of being made the centre of attention by manager. She hates having her personal characteristic shared. Even worse is when she is brought to task by the someone who hasn’t invested in their learning about the staff they are responsible for.

She has tried to appease the individual by taking on extra unscheduled chores, hoping this will make up the shortfall.

She now realizes that the shortfall isn’t within her gift to give, as she is being criticized and appraised for the very thing that her diagnosis suggests is a weak spot.

So what is a girl supposed to do?

Find a strategy for her challenge?

Take it to an advocate?

Change her job?

How would you , the reader support her, if she found the courage to share her situation?

Meanwhile she is left with feelings of exhaustion and burnout.

“AUTISTIC BURNOUT IS REAL AND CAN BE VERY SERIOUS, it can be devastating! It affects autistic children’s education and leads to autistic adults being unable to work. The impact upon mental health is significant.

Parents, autistic adults and professionals working with autistic people need to understand autistic burnout.” Viv Dawes

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential to the eye”. Antoine de Saint-Exupery

In Laura Aura's situation, finding support and advocacy is essential. Here’s a tailored approach she might consider:

1. Seek Support:

Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist who understands her neurodiversity. Sharing her experiences can offer emotional relief and practical advice.

2. Educational Resources:

Provide her manager with resources on autism to foster understanding and ask that her work environment be adapted accordingly.

3. Advocacy:

Consider seeking an advocate or joining support groups for neurodiverse individuals to share experiences, strategies, and coping mechanisms.

4. Set Boundaries:

Laura should express her discomfort with being the center of attention and request respect for her privacy and individual working style.

5. Professional Development:

Identify her strengths and focus on them. Neurodiverse individuals often have specialized skills that can be highlighted and nurtured.

6. Health First:

Recognize the signs of burnout and prioritize mental and physical health. This may include seeking accommodations at work or considering a change in job if necessary.

7. Legal Rights:

Understand her rights as a neurodiverse employee. Laws are in place to protect from discrimination and ensure workplace accommodations.

Empathy, education, and advocacy can be powerful tools in navigating such challenges and fostering an inclusive, understanding work environment.