ANDPA - Alliance for Neurodiversity and Disability in GLAMR Professions Australia Inc reposted this
ALIA Board Director | LIS Professional | PhD Candidate | AALIA (CP) | AAICD
I rarely talk about being Autistic publicly or in professional settings, despite otherwise being somewhat open in what I share. I've decided to change that with a reflection on confidence, belonging, and leadership: https://lnkd.in/g_mAyJCJ "I experience the world with a brain that feels like it’s in constant motion, and it’s only through leveraging differences that I’ve truly learnt to embrace that." While I'm acutely aware of the assumptions, risks/biases, and paternalistic attitudes that can surround disclosure - joy and authenticity are also part of my Autistic experience and, with them, hope.
I've only just told my current colleagues...they've been very supportive, which is wonderful. I was only diagnosed last year, so very late-DXed, and the clarity that brought me after an entire life of feeling I was "wrong" was priceless. Unfortunately, previous workplaces weren't prepared to take my being neurodivergent seriously - even when reported to them by my psychologist - and because I didn't have an diagnosis then, I couldn't advocate for myself, and it still really hurts that I was treated that way. But, I at least have answers for questions that have haunted me since I was very young, so that's no small thing. Thank you for sharing your experiences in this area! 🙏🙏🙏
I relate to this as well, I tend to stress a lot about disclosing this part of my life. Seeing an autistic person thrive in the library industry and being so open about their experiences is really inspirational and makes me want to try be more open about myself in my life.
Being confident in your autistic identity not only empowers you, but it empowers the autistics around you, too! Especially in leadership positions! I'm so happy to see you embrace this 😊
Something we've talked about in my social work studies is the power of being seen. We may not be aware of it (and with invisible disabilities even more so) but the empowering effect our our presence and visibility really helps others.
Very true Emilia and same goes for comments below. I also found the workplace tricky at times due to being even mildly autistic myself. There was a great discussion on autism on ABC radio program "Nightlife" last night with Philip Clark. Really put me in the picture re. this condition. 😀
Your observation on what confidence looks like is really important. There are often so many assumptions that lead to self-doubt.
Thank you for sharing your experiences Emilia (emi-lee-ah). As always, your reflections are authentic, insightful and empowering. Our profession is made richer through your contributions and leadership.
Great article, "The variability in how I experience my environment, and how other people perceive my experience of it can differ greatly, and this inevitably leads to misguided (though sometimes well-meaning) assumptions about what I enjoy, need, or aspire to." SO VERY MUCH THIS!
The world benefits when people like you are courageous and share their story and their authenticity. It comes with risks, and hopefully one day the world will be a place where it doesn't feel risk to be who we are. Thank you Emilia (emi-lee-ah) Bell
Coordinator, Ask a Librarian at National Library of Australia
2moI relate to this a lot as a fellow Autistic person. It's hard to navigate whether it's safe to disclose in a work environment and what effects that may have depending on the preconceived biases or understanding of the person you're telling. I currently have a very supportive manager but previously, the way my Autism has affected me at work (without even disclosing) and lack of understanding or empathy has been extremely challenging, and made me even less comfortable with wanting to disclose. It's a tricky tightrope to walk.