Balancing Introversion, Neurodiversity and Work Relationships

I was recently diagnosed with ASD-1 thanks to a therapist that suggested visiting an Attention Specialist... but this brings up an interesting work dilemma.

I was promoted to a new remote position, but this team LOVES to talk to each other on Zoom, with cameras on, for "engagement". I'm in hell....

It's hard enough to get me to communicate regularly with people I know. A virtual "show and tell" twice a week during my most productive brain time (9 AM) is torture. I. hate. it.

I would rather work than chat, email rather than have a Zoom call, or just sit and work in COMPLETE SILENCE are seen as "non-team players".

As a result, my productivity is shot. It takes me a while to "regroup" and focus after these pointless interactions.

So far, I've been starting work before normal log on time to get stuff done, and working well after log off time and on weekends because it's QUIET. That just seems unfair... why can't they just be quiet and work or make these things OPTIONAL?

Sorry for the rant. So is this a "suck it up" situation? The money is great, and I LOVE the WORK when I can do it with minimal interruption. I resent being forced to interact with people I don't know...

Rant over.

Honestly I’d talk to your boss that it’s difficult for you due to ASD. Maybe you could at least be off camera. Or maybe limit it to once a week.

Your boss might not care though. But you won’t know until you ask.

Divine’s suggestion sounds good. I’m not sure where you are or what employment law is in your country? Where I am (in UK) we have the right to ask for accommodations to be made if we have diagnosis.

Same in the US. You have the right. But accommodations have to be reasonable. Some people misunderstand that rights for accommodations means work place must provide everything you ask. It’s simply not the case. Sometimes it’s provided and sometimes due to job description you just cannot get that accommodation, it’s just might not be the job for you.

In this particular case asking not to participate on zooms (that don’t even seem to be that important for work goals) or not to be on camera or make zooms shorter or less frequent is totally reasonable.

Yes the same here and I’d agree negotiations on Zoom participation seems a reasonable accommodation to ask in my opinion. Good luck ZenZeta!

I think it will be a reasonable accommodation since the ZOOM show-and-tells are not work-related anyway. I believe those who promote them see them as a team-building activity, but you can explain that for you it is not. Be sure to mention that you need silent time for concentrated work and that you cannot easily context switch between such a zoom call and what is your actual work; you need time to come off of the show and tell. As a result, since you are a conscientious employee who cares about getting your primary job duties fulfilled, you are left with no option other than work after hours and on weekends when you can avail yourself of quiet time. You do not think that this practice of spending what is normally viewed as your free time on working is sustainable, and you are concerned that soon your productivity will suffer. Present it this way. I hope you will get accommodated as you are not really asking for anything extravagant.

Well, it doesn't seem like she did unfortunately. Last week alone consisted of one all day "Meet and Greet" which consisted of a bunch of nothing... personal anecdotes I could have cared less about ....at least lunch was good.

That was followed by 15 ZOOM MEETINGS!!!! All of them required our cameras to be on. I had a migraine by the end of the day. The sound of some people's voices was like nails on a chalkboard. It was brutal.... 8 HOURS OF MEETINGS which accomplished nothing work wise.

I provided documentation of my ASD-1 diagnosis, and she said she would have to check with HR to see if this is a "real" disability. Meanwhile, she made it mandatory to schedule a personal 1:1 with all 12 members of the team (all camera on via ZOOM). Why can't the welcome meeting we had collectively suffice. AAARGH!!!

I worked all weekend on assignments just to catch up. Not sure if I can maintain this long term.

Add migraine to your list of disabilities that require an accommodation. It is a more accepted and widely known dx than ASD-1.

I’m confused to why she or anyone wouldn’t think ASD 1 diagnosis is a ‘real’ disability. I hope she will clarify that it certainly is!

I would sit tight and calmly re explain when necessary. It’s in your employers interest to understand and accommodate within reason, I am sure as an employee you have many attributes and will be fully productive in the right environment.

Autism Spectrum disorder is a disability according to ADA and SSA. How much more real does it need to be?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZenZeta Well, it doesn't seem like she did unfortunately. Last week alone consisted of one all day "Meet and Greet" which consisted of a bunch of nothing... personal anecdotes I could have cared less about ....at least lunch was good. That was followed by 15 ZOOM MEETINGS!!!! All of them required our cameras to be on. I had a migraine by the end of the day. The sound of some people's voices was like nails on a chalkboard. It was brutal.... 8 HOURS OF MEETINGS which accomplished nothing work wise. I provided documentation of my ASD-1 diagnosis, and she said she would have to check with HR to see if this is a "real" disability. Meanwhile, she made it mandatory to schedule a personal 1:1 with all 12 members of the team (all camera on via ZOOM). Why can't the welcome meeting we had collectively suffice. AAARGH!!! I worked all weekend on assignments just to catch up. Not sure if I can maintain this long term.

So how do all the others get their work done if they are on the same "useless" zoom calls as you?

She said she has harder time to refocus and regroup after these meetings while other people perhaps snap out of it faster. Also perhaps others are able to get something done during zooms as a collaboration and they might find these meetings useful? Not sure.