I've lost my position at work because I'm autistic

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Had a meeting today to discus my position for next year at work. I've been told I will lose my position because:
1) I'm a poor role model. My social skills aren't good enough.
2) I'm unreliable. I cannot be counted upon to act responsibly in an emergency.
3) I'm too resistant/can't cope with change well.
I was also told to:
1) 'deal with' my autism
2) get some drugs to deal with my stress
I will still have work but in a lower position and lower pay grade. They were talking about transferral earlier but they've decided I wouldn't cope with it. I don't know what to think about all this. I'm kind of numb. How do I 'deal with' my Autism?

You should file a complaint against them in my opinion

Them telling you to "deal with your autism" just screams ableism and that is not acceptable by any means for a business to say that (or anyone in general). As for the pay grade, the same thing applies. It's illegal to do that and just despicable.

Sue them all the way to the bank!

What was your job by the way?

Do not agree to anything they offer, orally or in writing.

Next, find a lawyer with a labour law specialisation, explain the situation and ask for advice. The initial time and money investment are well worth it. The correct advice depends highly on your location, as well as your particular situation.

My job is contractual and ends next month so legally they can chose not to renew my contract. I have permanent base hours attached to my location so I cannot lose those (luckily).
I'm confused because they also told me I was one of the highest skilled, technical workers they have. I'm not aware of any complaints against me in recent years. I've worked in my current position around six years and I've always tried my best.

Raleigh my heart goes out to you. If your job depends on technical skills and not social skills (you don't have to deal with the public as an essential part of your job) then what has changed? You were able to do your job before, you can do it now. I can understand your shock and confusion. I think you are being treated very very shabbily and in the first instance, could you find someone to advocate for and support you at a meeting with whoever said these things to you.

You have nothing to lose by doing this, and something to gain: by taking initiative you are seizing back some power in the situation instead of being paralysed with powerlessness. If you do with the advocate, make sure the meeting is documented. Prepare with your support person before hand what and how you want to discuss and then negotiate on.

What they need to do (if they are acting in good faith) - is to actually spell out what they need you to do that you are not doing - ie specific things, and also they need to explain why this has only been drawn to your attention now. You haven't been given a chance to meet their unstated expectations until now, so it is completely unfair that they suddenly present you with a decision like that.

Meantime I understand that you are shocked and reeling and hurt - so make sure you get the rest you need. If you decide to leave instead, and they seem to want that, then negotiate a really good reference specifically about what you were really good at. However you decide to approach this, focus on some gain you can make. Don't just collapse and roll over (which they are probably counting on).

I know this is a big ask of energy etc though you owe it to yourself and it seems apparent to me that you deserve far better. I hope you succeed in getting it.

Please keep us informed about how it goes and I am glad you let us know.

Gee, I'm very sorry to read about what happened to you at work today, because I thought work was going really well for you. Maybe, the incident you described where you had to be assisted by a co-worker after suffering a meltdown, has put doubt in the minds of your superiors of your capability of performing your job. They mentioned your lack of social interaction as a reason for demoting you and I also remember you saying that you told them not to celebrate your birthday the other day. These to me are minor issues which don't impact on your job, but in a tight job market, it can be the little things that influence the decision making process that bosses make.
I thought B19 gave you very good advice. Undoubtedly they will have another meeting with you to discuss your reaction to the first meeting. I don't know whether it is possible to have an advocate in your corner, pleading your case, but that would be very useful if possible. Your object should be to argue very strongly to keep your current title and pay scale on the basis that you are technically highly capable and have received no complaints about the quality of your work. On the point of transferrance, you should be the one to determine whether you are capable of transferring to a new position while maintaining your current title and pay. The way you describe it is that they have concluded that you are incapable of being transferred on the basis of your autism. This to me is a generalisation of your condition, which I don't think you should go along with, unless you agree with their conclusion. It may mean that the only way to maintain your pay and conditions is by agreeing to a transfer. You should give this serious consideration, but then you might have to argue a strong case for your bosses to transfer you. This is where an advocate would come in really handy.

Some of this sounds like it should be illegal. Im sure you worked quite hard to get that job, its good that your base hours are secure, is the less pay and responsibilities situation open to change depending on future performance?

Why did you tell them about your autism in the first place? (if you did tell them) I would never disclose, unless it is to my advantage. It's none of their business, frankly.

Otherwise: an advocate would be good. I wouldn't sue them yet, though, until they fire you, or until you line up a better job. A job is a job is a job. Better than no job.