The tapping of plastic glasses and laughter filled the air as we celebrated #NationalMargaritaDay. But a comment from my #CEO pierced the festive atmosphere: "People like him (@ElonMusk) shouldn't be allowed to lead companies."
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
Her words were a stark reminder of the pervasive #ableism that permeates our society. I retreated inward, the sting of her words lingering. It was time to explore a question I'd been pondering for years: "#AmIAutistic?"
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
Growing up, I felt #different. Social interactions were like navigating a minefield. I was good at remembering and thinking, but struggled with connection. #autism #neurodivergent
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
Landing a #job there was a #dreamcometrue. I envisioned working alongside passionate individuals, developing #innovativetools to #inspire #youngpeople. But reality was far more complex.
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
There was no formal #onboarding process, no #structuredguidance. I witnessed colleagues #bullying each other, #gaslighting their peers, and making discriminatory remarks. #toxicworkplace
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
Despite the #challenges, I poured my #energy into my work. I spent the winter holidays crafting a #digitalproduct, a true masterpiece. But it was reduced to a reinterpretation of our current platform.
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
During my #performancereview, I was told I was "#stiflingcreativity" and "#difficulttoworkwith." I was presented with an #ultimatum: agree to a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or risk #termination. #PIP #discrimination
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
I met with a #therapist and a #diagnostician, and after a couple of months, I received confirmation. I was #autistic. It was tough, but it also ignited an ember in my chest. #autismdiagnosis
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
My journey to secure accommodations was a #nightmare. The organization's professed #commitment to #inclusion felt like a hollow promise. #accommodations #disability
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
Months turned into a frustrating #cycle of unanswered #emails, missed #meetings, and broken #promises. The #lackofsupport and the #constantquestioning of my needs took a heavy toll.
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
Finally, after months of #bureaucraticwrangling, my #accommodationrequest was accepted, but the adjustments granted were minimal. The message was clear: my #neurodiversity was a #liability, not an #asset.
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
Despite the #challenges, my #journey at there #fueledme to confront my own #internalizedableism, to #embracemyneurodiversity as a #strength, and to find #myvoice as an #advocate.
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
I learned the importance of #selfadvocacy, the power of #documentation, and the necessity of #seekingsupport. I discovered a #community of #neurodivergent individuals who shared my experiences and #inspiredme to #fightforchange.
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025
And #mostimportantly, I realized that #myworth was #notdefined by my employer's #perception of me. I was more than just a "#difficult" #employee. I was a #talented, #dedicated #professional with a #uniqueperspective and #valuableskills to #offer.
— LoudInTheWorkplace (@Stimming4Change) January 6, 2025