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I have mental illness and have worried all my life if i will ever be able to get a job. Will I?

I have autism ADHD and anxiety will I be able to get a job when I'm older? #k-12-education #jobs #first-job

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Danny’s Answer

HI Hannah. My son has Asperger's so I can give you a perspective as a parent. To put this in perspecitve, my son is very much like Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory, except for the PhD! :) He can be socially awkward, has difficulty picking up social cues and developing relationships. On the positive side, he has a great memory, drives, has a full time job, finished high school and went to a specialty trade school for cooking, and is improving his social skills all the time.

I can't speak to the help that is available to you as I am in Canada, but one thing we had available to us was Employment Supports. There are various agencies that help those with Autism in terms of interview and job seeking. In our case, the organization had relationships with large Canadian and international companies that operate in Canada. The company would actually join my son on his interview to provide coaching.

The other thing I might suggest is go on company websites and look for their 'Diversity' or 'Inclusion' information.

Finally, don't sell ourself short. I love the earliet comment - YOU HAVE WORTH!

Good luck!!

tx Danny
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Kim’s Answer

Hannah,

As you age, you will acquire various coping skills to help you a little with some of your conditions. Also, new and better medicines constantly come along, with fewer side effects. That being said, even without any better coping skills or medications, there are employers who actively recruit jobseekers who are on the spectrum! They have found that people with disabilities make better employees for certain types of work! Please see this article: https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-autism-friendly-employers-4159784

The other thing to be aware of is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Just like the various special education programs available in school, people with disabilities are also afforded certain protections in the workplace, and, even in the job search process itself. For example, the fluorescent lights over my desk bothered me, so I had the lightbulbs removed, and used a desklamp as needed for reading. If you need certain accommodations during the interview, let the recruiter know that. Also, if you have trouble learning a new job, there are job coaches available. Hopefully you will connect with the Disability Services agency in your state and receive some assistance as you transition to the working world.

One thing you will want to understand about looking for work. YOU have worth. You may not have the particular skills or knowledge to do a particular job, but, you are willing to learn. And you are very dedicated to any project that you undertake. Remember when you interview that you are trying to decide if YOU want to work for THEM. Sure, we are all desperate to get our first job, but, if you have to fight just to get the interview, everything will be a fight from that point forward. They do not deserve YOU. Keep looking.

I hope this helps!
Kim
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Elizabeth’s Answer

ADHD is something that's quite common. I know several very successful professionals who have that diagnosis. Personally never saw it as a disability because the people I knew with it were extremely accomplished in their particular field. Once they found their niche,
they were amazing!
I think most people understand that people with autism can be capable and intelligent often having aptitudes that are a valuable asset. People are much more aware now than say 20 years ago about autism. I believe you can definitely not only get a job but a great job and be very successful.
Plenty of famous people have been autistic.
I found this list:
Famous People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dan Aykroyd - Actor and Film Writer. ...
Albert Einstein - Scientist & Mathematician. ...
Daryl Hannah - Actress & Environmental Activist. ...
Anthony Hopkins - Actor. ...
Heather Kuzmich - Reality TV Contestant & Model. ...
Tim Burton – Movie Director. ...
Henry Cavendish – Scientist.
You're going to do great!
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Stephen’s Answer

Hey, Hannah!

100% agree with Kim and Danny on this one. Kim's point about willingness to learn even if you don't have all the skills right off the bat is very true. When interviewing people to join my team, their answers about how they learned in the past made the biggest impact, especially since marketing is a field that's forever changing. Highlighting your strengths, like Danny's son did, goes a long way.

I know you'll make a positive impact in the workplace when you are looking for your first role! Believe in your worth -- interviewers will see that too when you apply.
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Simeon’s Answer

There is a lot of opportunity in the tech industry for people who have mental health issues. Here in the states, we have several companies that focus on raising the amount of people they hire with special needs. See this article for how CVS includes special needs workers: https://cvshealth.com/news-and-insights/press-releases/cvs-health-recognized-as-a-best-place-to-work-for-disability
I believe pharmacies often make great workplaces for people with special needs.
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Clare’s Answer

Hannah,

I have ADHD and anxiety as well! I've been able to have a successful job for a little over a year. The trick is to know your limits. When there are too many customers in line and I feel myself starting to get overwhelmed, I sometimes am able to go in the back and work on some dishes or even just take a deep breath. But often times I bring a new perspective to work that neurotypical people may not have !
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Jennifer’s Answer

I have known several people with ADHD and anxiety. One thing they say is, “When I am doing the thing that excites me I can totally focus and zero in.” Find what that thing is for you. One person I know is an RN and the other has an MSW and is a wonderful mediator.
There are options for managing these diagnoses that were not available 50 years ago so take advantage of support groups and medications if you find them helpful.
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