You’re struggling with imposter syndrome as an autistic professional and this confuses or frustrates you. At times you might feel highly competent in the workplace, and other times you’re afraid of being found out as a fake. You might have an inner critical voice calling you an “imposter”. Imposter syndrome is common in autistic people, especially those who are striving for success in the workplace or high-achieving. But, why?
Imposter syndrome develops for a reason. Given the lack of support, lack of validation, and lack of understating you face in the workplace. It’s not accommodating to you. In this blog, we will talk about some reasons why your imposter syndrome is there and explore some ways to overcome it.
There is no Top-Down Approach to Understanding Neurodiversity
As an autistic professional in your place of employment, you may have noticed that there is no support or understanding coming from those who are not a part of the autism spectrum. This is one of the main problems that autistic employees face and it is due to there not being a top-down approach to understanding Neurodiversity and supporting autistic employees in most places. Very few places do have this top-down approach, but even then, they are still implementing these processes and figuring out how to provide support.
This lack of understanding makes it difficult to communicate and validate the unique experiences that come with being a part of the autism spectrum. If there is no top-down approach ensuring that managerial staff is informed, trained, and equipped to understand and support autistic employees, then the environment is not adapted for them.
A Lack of Understanding of Autism can Lead to Invalid Assumptions
When the managerial staff and your colleagues are not well-informed about Neurodiversity and autism, this can lead them to make assumptions and invalid judgments about you. Imposter syndrome can even come from just that alone. If your managers, supervisors, and colleagues don’t know that your non-verbal communication or behaviors are different, they may interpret them as being standoffish, then they may treat you as such.
This can lead to you feeling like you’re not as great at your job as you think you are or that maybe your work isn’t as top-notch as you think it is. There’s the doubt and imposter syndrome that comes from feeling like you’re not being seen and validated. It can be hard to navigate a workplace that isn’t implementing the necessary steps to ensure that autism is understood and accepted.
Ways to Overcome Your Imposter Syndrome as an Autistic Employee
It can be exhausting, frustrating, and alienating to be in an environment that doesn’t understand or accept autism. It should not be placed on you, but if you are not getting support in the workplace, there are sources of support that you can seek outside of work.
Neurodiverse-Affirming Coaching
One source of outside support can be a neurodivergent coach. This is someone who understands autism and is trained to help you with strategies for these situations. For example, they can help you implement a strategy for self-advocacy and communication in the workplace. They will also understand why your imposter syndrome has manifested as you are not being seen, heard, or validated. Having someone who understands autism talk with you and give strategies to navigate the workplace can be extremely beneficial.
Finding Your Tribe
Having support from people who get you and actually listen is key. This can also be a friend that understands and validates you but also allows you to vent. This can be found in group therapy, individual coaching, or a neurodivergent coach. Finding your tribe of people who understand and accept you is important.
Anyone in this tribe needs to be someone who continues to try and understand you along with validating you. That they don’t say typical answers such as “Just try harder and it’ll get better.” which ends up being hurtful and invalidating. Because this issue isn’t on you. It’s an empirical systems issue. That you are navigating and trying to survive in a world that isn’t designed for your success.
Self-Appreciation
Self-appreciation is also key. Going to work in a place that lacks understanding, training, and support can be hard. And the impact is only building which makes it even harder. However, you still go to work and do a wonderful job. But you’re not getting the support you should be. You don’t have the same resources that your colleagues may have and you are still an amazing employee.
You are having to go outside to get support, which isn’t right. But you did it, you do it! You’re making your own successes and doing all the hard things. And that is absolutely worth recognizing, appreciating, and validating yourself on. You should be proud of yourself and all that you are accomplishing. You deserve better when it comes to a workplace environment, which is why if you choose to leave your place of employment, that’s valid too! You’re putting yourself first and that’s still hard. Just remember, the only person you need to assert that you are a valuable employee to, is yourself.
Interested in Working with a Neurodivergent Coach?
You don’t have the support you need inside the workplace, but having support outside of the workplace can make a difference. Working with a neurodivergent coach can provide you with the support and strategies to help you not only manage your imposter syndrome but navigate the workplace. You deserve to be seen and heard, and an outside coach can help you do that.
At Open Doors Therapy, we offer a range of services that are tailored to the individual needs of neurodiverse individuals. If you’re interested in learning more about our team, our services, and which may be right for you, you can follow these steps to gain more information:
- Reach out to our autism therapy practice and schedule a free phone consultation.
- Learn more about our services and which may be best for you or your child
- Begin finding support and strategies that help you feel seen, heard, and valued!
Other Services Offered with Open Doors Therapy
Our team understands that most workplaces are not the most accommodating for neurodiverse individuals. That’s why we also offer other services to help you through the process of feeling understood and validated. This is why our California-based practice is happy to offer a variety of services in support of your mental health. We also offer individual therapy, parent counseling, and group therapy. In addition, we also offer social skills groups. These include college students with autistic traits, young adults with autism, women who identify as neurodiverse, a mother’s group, and an online parent support group. Please feel free to visit our Autism Resources page for info and helpful resources. Learn more about our services by reaching out or visiting our blog today!
About Tasha Oswald Ph.D. and Her Team
Meet Dr. Tasha Oswald, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist (#30423) and the Founder and Director of Open Doors Therapy and Neurodiversity School. She has over 15 years of experience in developmental and clinical psychology, as well as cognitive neuroscience. Dr. Oswald has dedicated her career to working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum. Her passion for supporting neurodiverse individuals is evident in her work. She also leads a team of skilled professionals at Open Doors Therapy.
Dr. Oswald’s expertise in supporting neurodiverse individuals extends to the workplace. This is where she specializes in helping autistic employees overcome imposter syndrome and thrive in their careers. Her team at Open Doors Therapy plays an important role in providing compassionate and effective therapy for neurodiverse individuals and their families. With a commitment to providing the best possible care, Dr. Oswald and her team work collaboratively to create a supportive environment that empowers neurodiverse individuals to achieve their full potential in both their personal and professional lives.
