Struggling with sensory overload and anxiety

[Shazzi91]

Hi, I am waiting for my Autistm assesment, I'm 31 female. If I cannot tolerate my job because of sensory overload and anxiety to social interaction should I be forcing myself to do it?? I'm waiting to see if my workplace will help make adjustments for me but if they don't I don't think I'll be able to stay in the job and I'm worried if I struggle to find another suitable job. When I search for jobs I feel anxious reading the job description knowing I won't be able to handle doing certain things. I'm worried if I end up not having a job and I'm not sure what support is available to me without having a confirmed diagnosis yet.

[Kastaka]

Diagnosis isn't actually required for disability benefits - they ask about proof of impairment, rather than what the cause of the impairment is.

However they are quite difficult to get - especially for non physical impairments - and the more you can stick it out at your job, the more of a monetary cushion you'll have while you're applying for them.

What kind of things do you do, and can you tolerate video calls? There is an increasing amount of remote work / work from home available which I find a lot easier than having to go somewhere to work and interact with people in person, because I can remain in my safe familiar home space.

[CallMeLeo]

as i found out not long ago, your mental stability is something that needs to be accomdated for with a workplace, u are a person and u dont need a diagnosis to reauire certain concessions put in place, you can contact your HR about access to work/right to work, have a sit down meeting or write an email to a boss with your issues and what can be done to help, they need to support their staff it looks very bad on them if they dont and they wont want the fuss

[Tammyy37]

hi , when did you start your autism diagnosis journey? , I had a similar problem with my job before getting my diagnosis , I still work there now even after my diagnosis as my job where nice enough to make small aj judgments but before this happened work was so hard full 5 days a week , really hope you are able to get some help and support soon