Neurotypical Capital of the World (Also the US capital)

Post Reply New Topic

Well, this has been an unpleasant reminder that in spite of its generally robust economic climate, DC is not the most neurodiversity-friendly place in the country. I got an opportunity to do an internship with a consulting firm in the capital of all things neurotypical and dysfunctional (Coincidence? I think not) on the hope that it might be upgraded to a full-time employment opportunity. I was just told last week that I would not be moved up to full-time, not because I couldn't do the job (They stressed that I was really good at it), but because of "teamwork-related issues." Boo. Everyone who I have talked to about this thinks that's the polite way of saying I was too quirky (even though I tried my best to minimize that), or in other words, that I couldn't quite pass for neurotypical (In case you're wondering, hardly anyone considers me to be the bossy type. I'm actually considered to be a bit of a pushover by most people). So now that I've had a few days to recover from that (as my supervisor had absolutely zero complaints about me even when I asked directly for recommendations for improvement), I need to find some other places that are more accepting because I did my best to pass there (Although I am reviewing my books on social skills, just to be safe). Not exactly easy to find those sorts of places in this city, but I'll take a shot. Anyone from around here who knows of some more accepting work environments? Or general advice?

In any large company, teamwork is vital, especially the higher you go in the company. If you can't be a member of a team, then there is not likely to be much room for you other than near the bottom.

I can work in a team. I have done it before. Plenty of times. I checked afterward in order to make sure that the problem wasn't bossiness or anything like that (Although I didn't ask that directly. I mentioned to my superiors what had been said by HR and asked for advice on how to improve), and the answers they gave all seemed to indicate that as a practical member of a team I was fine. I just stood out and was awkward socially, is the sense I'm getting from what I've heard.

You are in Washington DC? There are several groups in the city run by autistic adults for autistic adults in the city! You might want to check out this one: http://www.aagw.net/

Also, there is a meetup group my friend runs: http://www.meetup.com/adultautismspectrumfriends/

You might even see me and my boyfriend in a meeting sometime!

The headquarters for the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network is even in DC

Cool

Odd. Given the status quo, I'd day DC is the most intellectual and emotional dysfunctional place on the planet....

Maybe it's because they are all afflicted with the same dysfunction and you are not that they see you as quirky.

I've had a good time in D.C. even when I was much more socially awkward than I am now. It sounds like your place of employment--consulting firm--wasn't a good fit, especially if it involved face-time with customers.

That's more a function of the type of company than the city. There are plenty of other jobs in D.C. Maybe consulting is just not a good fit for you. Lots of NT's probably wouldn't have good enough social skills for this type of work either. It really requires the best of the best as far as people skills.

I wrote this on the other thread: