We are all more than what observers believe us to be. It’s been brought to my attention that The Autistic Me blog and podcast have been located and read by potential employers. I am not The Autistic Me, and anyone assuming to know me from this blog alone — or…
Tag: self-worth
The autistic me is the disabled me. Last week, I sat for an interview conducted by a graduate student interested in autistic adults and our educational experiences. The interview offered a chance to reflect on how different communities understand the label “autistic.” I also reflected on the nature of disability…
“You need to sell yourself as The Autistic Me,” is a refrain colleagues and blog followers have offered throughout the years. I’ve heard this after public speaking engagements and conference appearances. “Market your autistic experiences and expertise.” Though I do not wish to go on tour selling myself as an expert…
Employment history and various job searches demonstrate how difficult it has been for me to locate and retain employment. In September, Slate carried the following article by Sarah Carr, using “Leigh” as an example of the hurdles facing autistic adults. The Tricky Path to Employment Is Trickier When You’re Autistic…
Insecurity is the greatest challenge for me in relationships. I seldom feel confident as a partner, friend, mentor, or coworker. In my marriage, I rarely believe I am as intelligent overall as my wife. I know I am not as emotionally balanced as she is. I know I lack her…
Companies, non-profits, and educational institutions should hire me as a consultant (or others with expertise in accommodations and supports for cognitive difference) because too many organizations do not know how to hire, support, and develop talented people with personality traits outside the accepted norms. Readers of this blog know that…
It is that time of the year when I check the job market with the goal of being employed after the school year ends. The anxiety is accompanied by the self-recrimination for not obtaining a STEM degree to qualify for the jobs I know I could do, including teach in…
I’m not sure if this is part of an atypical neurology or simply a personality quirk, but I definitely have problems reading people. The minor examples include not knowing when someone is initiating a conversation or ending one. I also don’t always notice what it is someone is really trying…