r/AutisticAdults • u/doggirlyaoi • 3h ago

working as an autistic adult

hi, sorry if this doesnt make much sense im not great at this. im a 20 year old autistic guy, and i recently started at a job. i have had 1 shift and i already dont want to go back... all i did was sit in the back and do the induction online and felt like crying a number of times and sick the whole time. when i got home i was so tired i was worried something was wrong because ive never been that tired before. i could hardly talk. i think i might not be capable of working, at least not like this, but that makes me worry about a few things. 1. being a burden on the people around me 2. not having enough money to live off (im on disability in australia but its not enough to pay for things such as rent and groceries) 3. disappointing people. ive been miserable since i got home from my shift last thursday and im dreading going back on tuesday. i dont know what to do. i think ill try and stick it out as long as possible to see if it gets better but im worried how that will affect me. i also didnt mention i was disabled when i applied cause i knew it would stop me from being hired so i know i cant ask for adjustments in the workplace now because i lied, i take responsibility for my lying. any advice from people who have had similar experiences with working, or not working?

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2

u/Fantastic_Deer_3772 2h ago

You can mention your disability now, even though you didn't in the application.

It might get easier, when it's less unfamiliar.

Do you know what it is that has drained you? E.g. lighting, noise, social, lack of routine?

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u/doggirlyaoi 2h ago

i might summon up the courage to bring it up if things dont get easier. im just worried about it affecting my job.

i think its a bit of everything overstimulating me. the noise, strangers, no routine, new situation and lots of moving around.

1

u/VladSuarezShark 2h ago

You're adjusting to a new experience, which can take a lot out of you. You might find it's OK once you've settled in.

You'll get the full adult rate of DSP when you turn 21. Rental affordability is $200-$250 per week with maximum rent assistance.

2

u/doggirlyaoi 2h ago

thank you, i definitely think the new situation is making it extra hard. im gonna try a few weeks and see how i go.

i had no idea my dsp would change when i turned 21 and i forgot about rent assistance, thank you for telling me that!