In the news last week, “Microsoft seeks to recruit autistic workers.” This is excellent news because, unbelievably, only 15% of adults with autism in the UK are in full time employment, according to the National Autistic Society. I too, add to this statistic. I have been unable to sustain full time employment and, now it’s crystal clear to me, this is due to my autism.
There is lots of information already available about the challenges of autism in the workplace so, I am going to take a personal approach to write this article.
Like the majority of girls with ASD, I had lots of struggles growing up because it was clear to me I did not fit in in the same way that others did. What fascinated me (and disturbed me, simultaneously) was the way other children had so much energy in them to socialise outside of school(!), when I would be exhausted. It made me feel there was something wrong with me.
Later on – now – we know that this was all due to ‘social energy,’ a curly hair project concept that I have talked about in some of my books.
I coped at university. Academically I did very well, coming out with a 1st class degree and a masters degree. For me, I treated it as “independent studying”, you could do what you wanted, within reason. This meant that, if one day I was nearly out of social energy, I just didn’t attend any lectures that day. I did the work at home. In short, all turned out okay…
Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today
This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would like to continue to read this article, along with receiving access to our exclusive animations, podcasts and special offers – please click the Subscribe today button. If you are already a member, please log in.
Free Autism
Alert Card!
When you subscribe to The Curly Hair Project,
you will receive a free Autism Alert Card worth £6!
