[Legend of Shadow]

I'm working with a program called Vocational Rehabilitation, who helps people with disabilities get work. I'm in the final stages, and have applied for several jobs as a stocker in grocery stores.

However, I’ve had very little social interaction throughout my life. One of the symptoms of the cognitive impairment I have is atrocious working memory. If I can visualize something, I can often retain it in my memory. If not, I’ll often forget things instantly. This used to happen a lot when people talked to me. I’d understand what they were saying, but if they would’ve asked me to repeat what they said aftewards, I probably would’ve forgotten all or most of it.

On top of that, I’ve never had a desire for friendship, nor experienced loneliness. Combined with my impairment, this has meant I’ve spent most of my life with minimal interaction with people, outside of things like going to the store. Since I’ll be getting a job soon, I’m looking for tips on how to interact with my co-workers since this’ll be a very new experience for me. Some more info:

~Even though I don’t desire friendship, I’m very friendly towards people, and love making people happy, and helping them.

~I manage my impairment much better than in the past, but it’s often still frustrating to talk to people because of how hard I have to focus to not forget what they’re saying. I don’t have social anxiety, though.

~I don’t really know what to talk about with people. The range of activities I do is very limited because of my impairment, and my knowledge of current events is minimal because even though I keep up to date on the news, politics, ect, I often forget most of what I hear/read because of my memory.

~I was homeschooled, so I didn't get the social interactions most kids would get at public school.

[sans]

Hello Legend
You sound like you will be a great team player. I wish you the best of times on your new employment. I will be looking out for updates along the way.
If i had any pointers for you, I would say, be yourself. You sound like a really great person. If your having trouble remembering, ask them to repeat what they said. I find that it's hard for me to remember things people are saying to me when I am trying to think of what I am going to say in response, instead of really listening to their words.
And lastly, be patient with yourself. You have much to learn as a new employee, and can't be expected to retain so much at once. Maybe brief and friendly conversations in the beginning will be easier.
Best wishes!!
Sans

[Yzen]

I can't talk about current events either. You might want to try asking your coworkers open questions about themselves. Most people like to talk about themselves and their activities. By asking questions of them and getting them talking, you don't have as much pressure thinking about what to talk about. You can try simple questions like "Did you enjoy your weekend?" and "How is your day going?"

[Legend of Shadow]

Thanks both of you! I'll be sure to post updates when I get a job.