Updated : August 1, 2022 2 mins read
Updated : August 1, 2022 2 mins read
Yes. Lots of people with autism can work. Employing a person who is on the spectrum can be a great asset to a team. Under the Equality Act 2010, your employee has a responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to work to the best of your ability.
It is really common for people on the autism spectrum to feel different or disconnected to others. It can feel exhausting trying to understand social situations and how to act in different environments. It’s important to try and find a balance between not forcing yourself to be in a situation you really don’t want to be in and not isolating yourself away.
Remember, being different isn’t a bad thing, everyone has characteristics and personalities that make them different to others. Autism is part of you and what makes you unique.
It is up to you how or even if you tell people that you have autism. Some people like to tell others whereas others choose not to. Telling your school and work can be helpful as they can make reasonable adjustments to help you, but again, this is personal preference.
You can speak to your GP if you would like to explore getting tested for autism. You might also want to talk about mental health support if you are finding it hard to cope.
Get Help now
If you are concerned about your mental health, or if you have found yourself feeling concerned about someone else, you can:
Call 111 – NHS 24
Call 116 123 – The Samaritans
Call 0800 83 85 87 – Breathing Space
Text: ‘YM’ to 85258 – Young Minds crisis chat
If you think you are in danger of hurting yourself or other people, you should call 999 or present to your local A&E department.