For all those who didn’t know, this week is “Neurodiversity Celebration Week”, which being part of the committee on the Enable ERG at Exertis UK I am proud to be involved with supporting. Awareness I believe is the biggest challenge we face in the workplace, and through various communications this week we will be raising awareness of the likes of Autism, ADHD, Epilepsy, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia as well as educating our senior leaders what reasonable adjustments can be made for their team.
Following on from my last post, I am still trying to find out more about my diagnosis (which will probably help when I get my report through!) But in the mean time, I have been doing some research and seeing how some of the typical “traits” can link back to the way I am. Hey, I am just learning about all this myself, so don’t expect any of my colleague past/present to know anything about this either, but if I help 1 person “understand me” a little more, then I will be happy.
Perception of Rudeness
It seems I often come across as a bit rude, especially to folks who don’t know about my autism or don’t see it as a reason for the way I act. This mix-up probably comes from how straight-talking I am and my struggle with the usual social niceties, which doesn’t always match up with what people expect, leading them to misunderstand me.
Seeking Understanding & Clarity
I really need to get why things are done a certain way or why I’m told to do something, which can end up causing a bit of a disagreement. It’s not me being defiant; I’m just after some clarity. It’s important for me to know the why, the what & the when.
It’s not me being defiant; I’m just after some clarity.
Questioning Logic
When things don’t add up for me, like certain rules or instructions, I can’t help but ask about it. This isn’t me trying to be difficult or disrespectful; I’m genuinely trying to make sense of it all. I’m just trying to engage in a meaningful way.
Black and White Thinking
My tendency to see things in black and white sometimes means I end up correcting people or finding it hard to see their point of view, which might seem like I’m being stubborn. I’m really just looking for things to make clear sense, which can sometimes be mistaken for not being open to different ideas.
Struggling with Flexibility
Adjusting to changes can be a bit tricky for me because I like things to be clear, which ties into my knack for staying organised and efficient. I’m all for having a set way of doing things; it helps me feel sorted and keeps the day running smoothly. But when plans suddenly switch up, I find it hard to keep up, and it throws me off a bit. This can sometimes come across as me being a bit stubborn to others, when really, I’m just trying to get my head around the change.
I’m all for having a set way of doing things; it helps me feel sorted and keeps the day running smoothly
Focus and Fixation
When I’m really focused on something, my language may be direct and I may not pick up on social cues, which can unfortunately be seen as me being selfish or rude. I don’t mean to come across in this way, it’s just that I’m so wrapped up in what I’m doing.
Struggles with Social Norms
In social settings, not making much eye contact or not doing the usual small talk can make me seem rude. It’s really just that social norms don’t sit well with me and my way of interacting, but it’s never meant to upset anyone.
Communication Style
My way of being straightforward and literal is all about being clear, but I may come across as being a bit too direct, which isn’t my intention. It’s just me trying to avoid any confusion, though this can sometimes lead to crossed wires.
Masking and Anxiety
Trying to hide my autistic traits to fit in takes a lot of mental and emotional effort and can be really draining, leaving me feeling anxious and guilty, especially when things still get misunderstood. This balancing act, trying to be accepted while also staying true to myself, comes at a cost, showing just how complex it can be to navigate social situations.
I hope these highlight the hurdles of how I feel I am misunderstood at times and the effort I put into making social interactions work. It’s really important for me to share so that others can understand me better, whilst I am also learning more about myself, my autism and understanding of how others perceive me.
Autism: Through My Eyes 