You’re neurodiverse, and finally realizing that it is a superpower more than a “disability.” Now if your boss would only see it that way. You may have asked for accommodations in the past only to have your request brushed aside by your boss or HR. The accommodations you need may have been seen as unnecessary. Or, you may have had your confidence betrayed.
Let’s face it. Neurotypicals generally don’t get it, and often they don’t even try. Advocating for yourself as an autistic working professional can be exhausting. It is especially hard if your manager and coworkers are clueless. They may not seem to want to learn how to work with your brain. You know you have the capability to be a great worker, but you’re not receiving the tools you need to succeed. Is there anywhere you can work with success?
Is Their Culture Getting in the Way of Your Brain?
Their open floor plan and pop-up ping pong tournaments are fun, sure. They don’t help you actually get your work done. You find the constant distraction frustrating. Plus, the lack of direction and structure makes it very difficult for you to work to your full potential. Often, the things that are “value adds” to neurotypical people are challenging for you. You may be autistic or have ADHD. If so, constant noise, distraction, and sensory input can be more than challenging to work with. You know you need accommodations, but what do you even ask for? Will your request get taken seriously or brushed off? Your HR team is clueless on how to help neurodivergent people succeed in their workplace.
Advocating for Accommodations
There are many workplace accommodations available for autistic employees. But, accessing them can be difficult. Many times organizations aren’t equipped to work with neurodiverse people. It is important to advocate for yourself as much as you can. So, ask for a distraction-free area or a standing desk to help you focus. Request for an ability to wear noise-canceling headphones.
Encourage leadership to bring in someone to train your company on neurodiversity. Find advocates and allies who may be able to help you advocate for yourself and other neurodiverse people in your organization.
You’re deserving of accommodations and you do actually need them. You are not broken or defective, you are different, and that should be embraced and celebrated. You shouldn’t have to suck it up and mask your way through another workday. I do believe your neurodivergence is a strength and not a weakness. But, you do have challenges that neurotypical people don’t. You deserve to have support in the workplace. Masking non-stop is exhausting and unsustainable. In fact, masking can lead to burnout and the need for medical leave from work. Getting accommodations not only helps you, but your employer too!
Companies Leading The Way in Autism and Neurodiversity Inclusion
Many companies are leading the charge on hiring neurodiverse talent. Some have implemented programs to help un or underemployed neurodiverse individuals become employed at the level they should be. Some of these companies are:
- SAP
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
- Microsoft
- Willis Towers Watson
- Ford
- And EY
Many companies are beginning employee resource groups (ERG’s) or, other employee-driven initiatives. They are doing so to become more neurodiverse friendly. I know it can seem hopeless at times to find a neurodivergent-friendly employer. But, they exist!
Therapy for Autistic Professionals
Your employer may be less than accommodating of your neurodiversity. If so, seeking counseling for autism may be a good step. In therapy, you can learn to advocate for yourself and find the confidence you need to speak up and own your differences. Autism therapy in Chicago, IL, or California can go a long way to helping you advocate for your needs. Working with an autism therapist in Chicago, IL or California can help you communicate these needs in a more clear way.
If you know your employer is trying, but they’re still clueless, encourage them to check out our next blog post on this topic. Being neurodiverse in the workforce can be difficult, you don’t have to do it alone.
Begin Working With An Autism Therapist in Chicago, IL
Gaining the confidence to own your differences can be much easier said than done. Working with an online autism therapist in Chicago, IL can help you own your neurodivergence. Our team would be happy to support you via online therapy in Illinois or California:
- Reach out to our autism therapy practice to schedule a free phone consultation
- Meet with us for a 1-hour online intake meeting with an autism specialist. This will help us decide which services will be the best fit for you
- Begin online autism therapy
Other Services Offered at Open Doors Therapy
Our online autism therapy clinic offers a variety of support for neurodiverse individuals in California and Illinois. We’re happy to support people who identify as having Asperger’s, high functioning autism, undiagnosed autism traits, and more. We also offer individual therapy, parent counseling, and group therapy. We also offer social skills groups, including college students with autistic traits, young adults with autism, neurodiverse adults, women who identify as neurodiverse, a mother’s group, and an online parent support group. Please visit our Autism Resources page for info and helpful resources. Learn more about our services by reaching out or visiting our blog today!
