How to advocate for yourself as an autistic young person
Advocating for yourself can be really challenging, especially when entering a new workplace. You might not know how to communicate your needs, what adjustments you need, or how others might respond to your requests.
For me, learning how to communicate and advocate for myself has been really hard at times. It has definitely been a journey, and it’s something I’m still working on, but it has got easier over time.
Advocating for yourself in the workplace
I have worked in a few different roles, including as a classroom assistant supporting young people with learning and physical disabilities, and working with adults with disabilities in a college environment. My experience in the college was particularly positive. I had a really supportive staff team who understood my needs and allowed me to work reduced hours.
Since then, I have worked as a youth facilitator, advisor and researcher, and my experiences have been more mixed. Living with chronic illness, it can sometimes be difficult to communicate how it affects me, particularly when working online. I am also quite good at masking, so people cannot necessarily see how much something is affecting me. I can also feel guilty or worry about letting people down.
However, many of the projects I have been involved in, both paid and voluntary, have been supportive. Flexibility has allowed me to contribute in different ways, such as through email or voice notes, one-to-one meetings when I have missed something, and receiving information in advance so I can prepare. They have also given me opportunities to meet in advance with a member of staff and have introduction calls to get to know the other people in the group before starting.
Keep the conversation open with your manager
I think advocating for yourself can be tricky, especially when you are new to a role and do not yet know what adjustments you might need. Being open from the start can help, but it is also important to keep the conversation open throughout your journey. Building trust with your manager or team can take time, particularly if you have had negative experiences before.
Advocating for yourself can be tiring and overwhelming, and it is okay to take time away from it when you need to and look after your mental health. Having a conversation with somebody about how you’re feeling can really help to make it less overwhelming.
Most importantly, asking for support does not diminish your ability to do your job. You are allowed to ask for the support you need to do your best. It may take time to feel comfortable advocating for yourself, but you deserve to have the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
About the author
Eden (she/her) is 22 years old from Belfast, Northern Ireland and it is currently in her second year studying childhood and Youth studies. In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to podcasts and volunteering.
