Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey everyone hope everybody's doing ok I took a little break from here and thought I give an update on what's been going on with my life these past few weeks.

I'm back in school for yet another semester and no longer majoring in elementary education (though my parents don't know yet). This semester I'm taking steps toward getting tested for Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) and have already  talked to one of the professionals at my school about it and she agrees that I may have ASD considering we've interacted quite a bit since I been attending community college and she was one of my instructors in a class I struggled with (she also teaches psychology). We've also talked quite a bit about my struggles with employment and functioning issues that I deal with daily she does stress that I should definitely find an employer that's not only open to hiring those on the spectrum but also willing to give support to help me keep my job and wouldn't mind if I am a bit slower than others. Overall I feel like I'm making progress and once classes resume again after Labor Day I meet again to discuss where we go from there.

With regard to what I mentioned about finding the right employer what kind of suggestions would any of ya have??

So anyway that's whats been going on.       

Well done on making so much progress :). In regards to finding the right employer it's tricky. When you get an interview the boss isn't just interviewing you you sort of have to interview them as well. The important thing to think about is do they come across as somebody who runs the business well or someone who's not really good at organising and managing (which will effect your ability to ask for certain days off if you get too overwhelmed by working a certain amount of hrs and days). You also have to get a feel to see if they're friendly and easy to talk too or not. Unfortunately you may have to be prepared to let some jobs go because having a bad manager is sometimes more stress than it's worth.

Btw; can somebody at your shool put you in touch with an agency or charity which helps people with ASD find work?

Good to see you back, and every step, however small, is progress.

:)

Sno.

Hi,  employment advice is always difficult.  The one thing I would recommend is to make sure you know you're rights.  This goes beyond just what rights you have as a regular citizen, but also what rights you have as an employee (and this varies greatly from one state to another).  Lots of states have laws respecting the treatment of people with any form of disability, but only a few have laws protecting gender identity and expression.  I would do some research on the internet regarding what an employer is like to work for.  I hope something in here is helpful for you.

Didn't want to mention this because I thought I would be able to resolve it at least by today but that isn't gonna happen now.
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
I'm afraid I'm gonna have to drop my photography class cause I don't have the right type of camera and can't afford a DSLR camera that's actually required I can't even afford one that's second hand and nobody I know that has one will let me borrow. I'm sooo heartbroken by this I was looking forward to learning and improving my photography skills but now that's all shattered thanks to the fact I don't have money to buy the right type of camera  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

Wow, that really blows. I guess I was lucky when I did photography they supplied all the equipment. What a bummer!

It really is a bummer I just don't know what to do anymore seems everytime I try to do something to help make myself feel happy something always go wrong I'm beginning to think that life just doesn't want me to be happy and that I have to be miserable forever

I don't know your budget of course, but there are numerous Nikon DSLR's on ebay in the $50-$150 range.    Several D100's at $100, for instance; I have a D100 and its a perfectly fine DSLR.   

Quote from: rwOnnaDesuKa on September 05, 2016, 11:08:10 AM
I don't know your budget of course, but there are numerous Nikon DSLR's on ebay in the $50-$150 range.    Several D100's at $100, for instance; I have a D100 and its a perfectly fine DSLR.   

I've looked on both Ebay and Craigslist nonstop and the cheapest I can find is around $300-$500 range for second hand with a basic lens included and for just the body around $150-$200. I only have a budget of $100 for spending.

Despite that issue I'm gonna continue to remain positive at least I'm finally seeking help for my developmental issues got that to be thankful for :) 

$100 is pretty tight for a DSLR, you can get a good body for that; but add a lens and it slips too high... 

Emily-Ryan,

A handy tip for finding cheap lenses, especially for Nikon bodies, is to find a Film SLR (alternatively learn using a film SLR, you'll learn a heap more, and I found the cost constraint made me think about composition in every shot), kit. They are usually super cheap, and Nikon DSLR bodies will be able to use the lenses in manual mode (which you'll be using anyway)...

Sno

Quote from: Sno on September 05, 2016, 05:03:35 PM
Emily-Ryan,

A handy tip for finding cheap lenses, especially for Nikon bodies, is to find a Film SLR (alternatively learn using a film SLR, you'll learn a heap more, and I found the cost constraint made me think about composition in every shot), kit. They are usually super cheap, and Nikon DSLR bodies will be able to use the lenses in manual mode (which you'll be using anyway)...

Sno

Did a lot of looking into that it still a bit over my budget hopefully I'll luck out soon before it really gets to a point that I'll have to drop the class

Sent you a couple links. You can ask others opinions but I think the Nikon d50 and the 1.8 50mm is the perfect cheap kit.
And if those links I sent you are good, both for under 100 dollars.
I hope that helps

Hope you got my message. That Nikon d50 with the 55-200mm vr lens looks like a great deal at 125
Hope you find something

Did you check out local pawn shops? One of the first things to go during a recession are camera's and tools.

Well here's an update on the photography class situation

I'm for sure gonna have to drop the class I talked to my instructor about my camera situation and sure enough the point and shoot camera I have isn't gonna cut it due to the lack of manual controls. I was gonna get that Nikon D50 that Stevie pm me but today I have an unexpected expense. I have to purchase an e-text access code for my U.S. Government class using the money that I was gonna use to get that camera but my government class is more important sadly.

Yeah it sucks that it come to this but what can I do?? Right now I'm just not in position to go out and try to make quick money.

Maybe soon I can get that ASD diagnosis and get the help I need to reach gainful employment cause right now my livelyhood depends on that diagnosis. And maybe then I could purchase a mirrorless camera.

       

That's a shame but maybe you could try next semester if there is one

Good news and am I surprised  :D :D

I decided to ask my graphic design instructor if he might have a camera I could borrow and after explaining my situation he directed me to someone within the film technology crew at the college and not only did they happen to have a camera they were willing to lend it to me throughout the semester.

Now I can stay in my photography class and I have a camera in the meantime that I can actually play with  :D :D

Yay! That's great news, and it gives you time to get set up for next semester!

Sno

Yea! I'm glad it worked out. You probably get to work with nicer equipment than you would have been able to scrounge up. I'm really happy that this worked out.

Quote from: EmilyRyan on September 07, 2016, 05:14:46 PM
Good news and am I surprised  :D :D

I decided to ask my graphic design instructor if he might have a camera I could borrow and after explaining my situation he directed me to someone within the film technology crew at the college and not only did they happen to have a camera they were willing to lend it to me throughout the semester.

Now I can stay in my photography class and I have a camera in the meantime that I can actually play with  :D :D

That is really good news.  Yaaaay

The camera has been going well I'm caught up with my current photography project now.

For those curious I'm using a Canon Rebel T6S (24 Megapixels) with a 55mm-135mm lens. I'm surprised they're trusting me with such a camera and I got to say using a DSLR has come easy to me and this is actually my first time ever using one.

As for what else is going on I came out to my graphic design instructor and right now he's one my biggest advocates. Yeah he's one one the most awesome human beings I ever met.

This Monday should be the day I talk to the main person at the college about getting tested for ASD or at least what to do about getting tested if the college doesn't provide that kind of service. If getting tested for ASD isn't possible at the moment I'm gonna talk to see if there any assistance I could get in getting help with employment with my learning disability. Either way hope to make progress there.   

Quote from: Deborah on September 08, 2016, 04:46:26 AM
That is really good news.  Yaaaay

Love your profile pic you look beautiful
   

Thank you!

It's so nice to hear your enthusiasm with the camera and academics this semester.  Hold on to that, work hard, and make your dreams a reality!

About a couple weeks ago I spoke to the lady with student disability services to see about getting tested for ASD and unfortunately the college doesn't provide testing. My best bet is to see an outside professional and yeah that's gonna cost a lot of money I don't have and I can't convince my parents to get me tested either so once again I'm in a rut.

What can I do if there's even anything I could do at this point?? I need an official diagnosis.

Not sad about the situation just clueless and wish I had the funds to get tested  :-\ 

I know this isn't a trans related issue but I really need some help and/or advice for dealing with this situation. Also I'm afraid of going to an autism board since I'm currently not diagnosed.

The autism boards may suggest ways to be tested. We really don't have that type of information available so unless one of the members who has autism, knows the process and post, you aren't likely to find the answer you need here.

Quote from: Dena on September 24, 2016, 08:52:30 PM
The autism boards may suggest ways to be tested. We really don't have that type of information available so unless one of the members who has autism, knows the process and post, you aren't likely to find the answer you need here.

I know where I need to go as far as getting tested goes and I got some good recommendations. The main problem I'm facing is lacking the funds to get tested and apparently insurance doesn't cover adult autism testing and I can't convince my parents to help me out either. I'm totally not sure what to do as far as getting the money to get tested. 

Getting money is a problem for everybody you can print it, steal it, get it from somebody else or earn it. I don't recommend the first to however because they can result in a very long vacation. Find out how much it really costs and see if you can do odd jobs around the neighborhood or if your school job board has something you can do. If nothing else, if you are good in a subject, you might be able to tutor for money. People have been figuring out how to legally get money form somebody else's pocket into theirs for years and you should be able to do the same.

Quote from: Dena on September 24, 2016, 09:43:10 PM
Getting money is a problem for everybody you can print it, steal it, get it from somebody else or earn it. I don't recommend the first to however because they can result in a very long vacation. Find out how much it really costs and see if you can do odd jobs around the neighborhood or if your school job board has something you can do. If nothing else, if you are good in a subject, you might be able to tutor for money. People have been figuring out how to legally get money form somebody else's pocket into theirs for years and you should be able to do the same.

The area where I live is too rural for odd jobs, I've tried my school career services with no luck, and I'm not good at tutoring. The costs of getting tested I hear runs somewhere around from $1500 to as high as $5000. As usual high costs impedes progress.

Sell your photos on Shutterstock.

It's a shame that in order to get a diagnosis that's crucial I am having to figure how to come up with money because the system continues to be unafforable and unhelpful. Gotta love America

Quote from: EmilyRyan on September 07, 2016, 05:14:46 PM
Good news and am I surprised  :D :D

I decided to ask my graphic design instructor if he might have a camera I could borrow and after explaining my situation he directed me to someone within the film technology crew at the college and not only did they happen to have a camera they were willing to lend it to me throughout the semester.

Now I can stay in my photography class and I have a camera in the meantime that I can actually play with  :D :D

Great news!

Quote from: EmilyRyan on September 24, 2016, 11:41:55 PM
It's a shame that in order to get a diagnosis that's crucial I am having to figure how to come up with money because the system continues to be unafforable and unhelpful. Gotta love America

I gave up on getting a diagnosis because I was functional enough that disability services really wouldn't have helped me. I was able to get a government job that paid my bills and it was union so I was protected against an unfair firing.

There are resources for young people to get union jobs. They can't just fire you because the manager decides they don't like autistic people. Look for "young workers afl cio" in your area.

Is there a group for people with intellectual disabilities in your area? In my area we have "The Arc" and they do a lot of support for people with autism. They may help you without a diagnosis.

Also, have you found your local Center for Independent Living? They do self advocacy for disabled people. They're well aware of issues getting a diagnosis and may be able to point you in the right direction AND they may know some good employers.

Quote from: AnxietyDisord3r on September 25, 2016, 10:18:41 AM
I gave up on getting a diagnosis because I was functional enough that disability services really wouldn't have helped me. I was able to get a government job that paid my bills and it was union so I was protected against an unfair firing.

There are resources for young people to get union jobs. They can't just fire you because the manager decides they don't like autistic people. Look for "young workers afl cio" in your area.

Is there a group for people with intellectual disabilities in your area? In my area we have "The Arc" and they do a lot of support for people with autism. They may help you without a diagnosis.

Also, have you found your local Center for Independent Living? They do self advocacy for disabled people. They're well aware of issues getting a diagnosis and may be able to point you in the right direction AND they may know some good employers.

I'll look in to about the union main concern would be the fact that Tennessee doesn't like unions and is trying very hard to get rid of them but hopefully the unions that help young people haven't been ran out of the state yet.

Nearest supports and groups are in Nashville and I have no way of getting up there anytime soon.

I'm not sure if there's a center for independent living in my town or not if there is one maybe they can help. My main reasons for getting a diagnosis is for peace of mind and help getting and keeping a job and most services require a diagnosis.

Sometimes I feel as though the best thing to do in this situation is to move to another state with better services but Tennessee is much cheaper to to live compared to anywhere else.

I would sell photos online but that requires luck that people will suddenly discover my photos and actually download them so it could take months or even years just to make $500

Quote from: AnxietyDisord3r on September 25, 2016, 10:18:41 AMquote author=AnxietyDisord3r link=topic=214000.msg1901466#msg1901466 date=1474816721]
Is there a group for people with intellectual disabilities in your area? In my area we have "The Arc" and they do a lot of support for people with autism. They may help you without a diagnosis.

Found that "The Arc" has a chapter in Nashville I really should move up there but rent is soo expensive.

Edit: Even better I actually found a chapter located in Williamson County which is much closer than Nashville and overall a better area but like Nashville it's an expensive area to live.

Feel discouraged right now. Really need this diagnosis so I can get the help I need for getting and keeping a job and without it I'm out of luck. I really need the money for a diagnosis there's gotta be ways to get a diagnosis with having to have thousands of dollars to do it.   

Do you have a car or are you dependent on public transportation?

It is very hard to break into a bigger city with the higher rents. I used to rent rooms from people which is much cheaper but you have to abide by their house rules and be quiet. You could check the local LBGT weekly paper or "finer urban weekly" if there isn't a gay paper to find roommates who are queer friendly. It helps to have a job lined up first, though. I relate to how tough it is. It's like an endless cycle of not being able to get into the virtuous cycle of job/rent/services because you haven't gotten into the circle. If you can be patient and get a degree though, you will have job opportunities in many cities.

What can I do if I'm unable to get assistance??

Most every successful business man has several failures in his past. What makes a person successful is the willingness to attempt something else after a failure. Are you attempting to find a solution or are you dismissing everything as impossible? If you are pursuing possible solutions to your problem like finding a way to pay for what you need, sooner or later you will succeed.

I'm trying everything that everyone is suggesting but hardly any of them are feasible to my situation. Granted I looked at all the resources that been suggested but they all want me to already be diagnosed with ASD before being able to help and none offer any financial assistance for getting a diagnosis.

I've also asked around actual autism boards and I'm getting nowhere other than the same resource suggestions.
I'm getting frustrated to the point I'm never gonna get the help I need   

 

It took me about 8 years of working to accumulate sufficient money to pay for my transition costs as everything had to be paid for out of pocket, no insurance and no government assistance. Are you reading the paper, looking on the internet,  looking on the street every day for a job? It's not going to happen overnight and it's not going to be a jack pot payout. It will be a dollar at a time and it will take time but you can do it if it's really important to you and you work at it.

I need to get this done in months time not years

Please understand I'm unable to do odd jobs or work at the moment I need other means I really need to get a diagnosis for autism so I can get counseling services and employment help and they require an official diagnosis before they'll help. This is necessary to move forward with my life and without everything remains standstill.

Unfortunately getting diagnosed for autism as an adult is crazy expensive and none the places that do it around here accept insurance (both private and public) and my parents refuse to help.

I ask again what can I do?? I really need this it's urgent

Are there places where I only have like pay $20-$100 no questions asked??

Anywhere that offers free or low cost for college students??   

Surely there's a college bulletin board at the college which advertises places to rent. Or you could ask the office whether you could put an advert up yourself. At college it sometimes comes down to having the right connections.

Quote from: Elis on October 06, 2016, 12:06:22 AM
Surely there's a college bulletin board at the college which advertises places to rent. Or you could ask the office whether you could put an advert up yourself. At college it sometimes comes down to having the right connections.

This is about the cost of getting a diagnosis for autism which sadly here in America is ridiculously expensive and most don't accept all forms of insurance either. In order to get help from those that help people with ASD find and keep a job I have to have a diagnosis first but to do that gotta have money  :(

I tried asking around about getting help with costs yet again and still nothing I'm about to give up and just let the psych ward deal with me.

EmilyRyan, you're asking about getting a low cost diagnosis on the wrong board, okay? Nobody here knows of anything like that. It may not even exist. "The system" is not set up to help autistic people, that's why so many autistic people are homeless right now!

Dena is right. You need to set your life straight one day and one dollar at a time. I am on the spectrum and with hard work my symptoms have gotten much better, so much so that a psychiatry PhD student refused to believe I was on the spectrum (my psychologist knows better, but he's better trained in the symptoms). You can train yourself to make eye contact, for example. This is hard work and you have to work at it every day. You can desensitize yourself to touch. Push yourself. You can develop coping skills to make up for your cognitive deficits. Really.

You can have some of your dysphoria issues addressed in months. Get a job, get a therapist, and get on low dose hormones. Meanwhile, your life is keeping you busy now so you won't feel as dysphoric. Sitting at home ruminating about how your life sucks is sending you down a deep dark black hole that looks so deep you think you'll never crawl out of it. But you will. Moods are temporary. Moods pass. Moods don't define you.

If you can't get a job, get a hobby that doesn't involve the internet. Go outside your house and start collecting leaves. Or insects. Start taking cellphone pictures of birds. There are lots of free solo hobbies if you think about it. Something that absorbs your interest and takes your mind off dysphoria. I used to take pictures of trains, lol. My pictures are terrible, btw.

Maybe in the midst of all that, if you keep looking, you'll find the answer on diagnosis you're looking for. You know they say when one door closes, another opens. This door seems to be closed so you need to engineer a way around that door. Well, to do that you need to take care of yourself. Get yourself a crummy little temporary job and put some money in your pocket and eat up those hours you now spend feeling sad and abandoned and hopeless.

Btw, why won't your parents help you to get a diagnosis? Do they lack money or is it some fight over whether you're really ASD? I suspect if you have an income you might have some leverage to ask them for a loan or a gift to help pay for the diagnosis. I was able to bank $3k living at home back in the late 1990s and there's no reason you can't do that now. Not being diagnosed as disabled can be a good thing because the minimum wage for not disabled people is much, much higher than the minimum wage for disabled people, so chew on that for a while.

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/3/27/goodwill-paying-penniesperhour.html

Quote from: AnxietyDisord3r on October 07, 2016, 05:41:25 AM
EmilyRyan, you're asking about getting a low cost diagnosis on the wrong board, okay? Nobody here knows of anything like that. It may not even exist. "The system" is not set up to help autistic people, that's why so many autistic people are homeless right now!

I apologize I'm just sooo desperate for a solution that suits my current circumstances, which can't be changed till I get the help I need (and that requires a diagnosis according to the rules here in Tennessee). I've asked around on autism boards and yeah you're absolutely right the system is set up not to help and many blame the way American society continues to be the way it is toward people who are different.

Quote from: AnxietyDisord3r on October 07, 2016, 05:41:25 AM
Dena is right. You need to set your life straight one day and one dollar at a time. I am on the spectrum and with hard work my symptoms have gotten much better, so much so that a psychiatry PhD student refused to believe I was on the spectrum (my psychologist knows better, but he's better trained in the symptoms). You can train yourself to make eye contact, for example. This is hard work and you have to work at it every day. You can desensitize yourself to touch. Push yourself. You can develop coping skills to make up for your cognitive deficits. Really.

Between dealing with family drama (today included) and the way life treats me I've lost all ability to cope hence why I rely on friends and (for right now) photography to make sure I don't end up killing myself.

Quote from: AnxietyDisord3r on October 07, 2016, 05:41:25 AM
You can have some of your dysphoria issues addressed in months. Get a job, get a therapist, and get on low dose hormones. Meanwhile, your life is keeping you busy now so you won't feel as dysphoric. Sitting at home ruminating about how your life sucks is sending you down a deep dark black hole that looks so deep you think you'll never crawl out of it. But you will. Moods are temporary. Moods pass. Moods don't define you.

If you can't get a job, get a hobby that doesn't involve the internet. Go outside your house and start collecting leaves. Or insects. Start taking cellphone pictures of birds. There are lots of free solo hobbies if you think about it. Something that absorbs your interest and takes your mind off dysphoria. I used to take pictures of trains, lol. My pictures are terrible, btw.

Maybe in the midst of all that, if you keep looking, you'll find the answer on diagnosis you're looking for. You know they say when one door closes, another opens. This door seems to be closed so you need to engineer a way around that door. Well, to do that you need to take care of yourself. Get yourself a crummy little temporary job and put some money in your pocket and eat up those hours you now spend feeling sad and abandoned and hopeless.

Photography is definitely a hobby I enjoy doing I wish I could go into a train yard and take lots of train pictures I actually like trains as well :)

As for getting a job I'm for sure at this point I'm gonna need some sort of assistance whether it's vocational rehab, supported employment, or simply applying to a company that supports those on the spectrum like Home Depot or Walgreen's or try this company called Specialisterne which specifically takes those on the spectrum and train and hire them for jobs like information technology and even does job placement testing and even if not found to qualify to work for them they help find a place to work at. Kicker is for most if not all these options is that they require to have a diagnosis first that's like a main rule at least in my state otherwise I wouldn't be going on about this constantly.

I probably would never try doing temp jobs ever again the one place in town treats me like a joke and always tell me I'm not qualified for any of the offerings they have and honestly I think they think I'm a total dimwit.

Quote from: AnxietyDisord3r on October 07, 2016, 05:41:25 AM
Btw, why won't your parents help you to get a diagnosis? Do they lack money or is it some fight over whether you're really ASD? I suspect if you have an income you might have some leverage to ask them for a loan or a gift to help pay for the diagnosis. I was able to bank $3k living at home back in the late 1990s and there's no reason you can't do that now. Not being diagnosed as disabled can be a good thing because the minimum wage for not disabled people is much, much higher than the minimum wage for disabled people, so chew on that for a while.

My parents think there is nothing wrong with me and that I just don't try hard enough or that I just constantly "have my head in a cloud". When I was diagnosed with a learning disability and put in special education my parents totally disagreed with that but they didn't fight the school system and just let it slide.

Yeah I'm aware of the sub minimum wage that certain employers can imposed on the disabled thank to a labor law written back in 1938. While deplorable that such a thing exist I'm confident, with the proper help, I can land a job that pays decent even with being diagnosed.

Anyway I want to thank you for taking the time to reply and listen     

If your photos are good enough, I guess you can sell them although there's lots of competition. Have you tried working in food? It's a face paced environment so it's hard to "space out" and you work with others as a team. It's a way to make money so you can pay for your assessment with your own money. I worked at a family owned place and they didn't care I was on the spectrum because my till was never short. I got a free meal every shift which I liked.

Some really low level employers have anti discrimination policies that include trans people, so that's a plus. Wendy's and I think Starbucks too?

You have to hustle at these jobs but you end up making friends through trauma bonding because the customers are crazy.

You've made all these plans based on this diagnosis, sounds like you need to make a plan to GET the diagnosis.

Also, have you tried writing a letter to the providers explaining your financial situation and asking for assistance? I don't know if that would work or not but it doesn't cost anything to ask.

The last two jobs I had (goodwill and walmart) were both fast paced and I wasn't able to keep up well enough despite trying and was fired from each for being too slow nevermind that I was never late and never had an attitude with management. I just think that any food/kitchen jobs would be a nightmare unless I found a truly laid back place but from what I know about that industry there isn't and plus with all the background noise that usually goes on I probably wouldn't be able to hear too good or not at all (another problem I have that I'm gonna need to deal later). I've talked to the counselor at the college and he even suggested to either find a job that's slow paced or maybe a fast paced job where the management would be understanding and if I have no choice but to get a fast paced job then thats how I'm gonna go about it.

I do like the idea of selling photos online but like you said lots of competition and from what people I've talked to said it's no income guruanteed like one person has put over 20 photos on shutterstock to sell and has only made like 500 dollars in a two year span. If I knew I could make like somewhere between 20 to 100 dollars in a week or even bi weekly I would do it.

I have a friend with a major anxiety disorder who got a job transcribing recordings. It was piecework and he just got really fast at it. This might not be good with an auditory processing defect. Can you understand speech well if there's no distracting noise?

I have an auditory processing defect. I had to answer phones when I worked in food and I sometimes had to ask people to repeat themselves. Once I memorized the menu it got easier. That's where I learned the fake patter and persona. It was a shield for me because I actually loathe being on the phone.

That same friend who did transcription got fired from Walmart for a bs reason (they switched his department, then claimed he was too slow in the new one), so don't take it personally. Walmart is horrible with firing people for dumb reasons.

Retail is cutthroat as heck. I worked retail (Staples and CVS) and I worked food and food was a lot better because you're a team that works together. Yes, there are some jerks working in food (not to mention the ex cons--but they aren't all bad), but it's not a situation like in retail where people steal sales commissions from each other and managers threaten workers for not making sales quotas so they can make a raise and having to lie to customers to sell add ons like service plans. To have a good experience in food just apply to a place you really like to eat at. I have another friend who's had lots of trouble keeping jobs but worked a whole year at Chipotle b/c she liked the food and it was an okay place to work despite having a crummy general manager. I wouldn't assume that just because you are burned out on retail that you can't handle food. OTOH if you have a really, really bad sound distraction problem I could see how food wouldn't work out. I am personally distracted by music but not by banging and crashing sounds so the noise in a restaurant never bothered me.

There's a whole field known as data entry where you look at sheets and enter the stuff into the computer. If you're good with a keyboard you could do that. Minimal interaction with others and you're typically paid piecework rates so your pay is relative to your fastness and accuracy.

One more pitch for food, if you present male you could easily get a min wage gig as a dishwasher. Doesn't really matter if you get distracted. As lowest person on totem pole all they really care is that you look busy washing trays and pots and pans so they don't run out during peak times. You could put in earbuds and listen to something that focuses you and they're unlikely to care. Even at min wage you can earn $3K pretty fast if you don't have to pay rent or food costs at home.

Quote from: Dena on September 24, 2016, 08:52:30 PM
The autism boards may suggest ways to be tested. We really don't have that type of information available so unless one of the members who has autism, knows the process and post, you aren't likely to find the answer you need here.

A psychiatrist/psychologist could diagnose, but to what end? For kids, it's important in order to get special education services, but for adults it's much more limited, at my age, just for curiosity.

Autism runs to some degree in both my and my wife's family. Two out of five of my kids have been diagnosed and a third probably has it? But she's so smart and high functioning that it doesn't matter. I have mild aspergers and my wife has some asd traits too. She didn't talk until she was 5, but then in full sentences. I am more of the nutty professor. Having both asd and gd has been a challenge at times, but the gd is worse in some ways.


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Quote from: AnxietyDisord3r on October 08, 2016, 11:43:24 AM
I have a friend with a major anxiety disorder who got a job transcribing recordings. It was piecework and he just got really fast at it. This might not be good with an auditory processing defect. Can you understand speech well if there's no distracting noise?

Depends on how loud the noise is and if there are one or more noises going at the same time.

Quote from: AnxietyDisord3r on October 08, 2016, 11:43:24 AM
That same friend who did transcription got fired from Walmart for a bs reason (they switched his department, then claimed he was too slow in the new one), so don't take it personally. Walmart is horrible with firing people for dumb reasons.

Honestly I think it's gonna get where all companies do this.

Quote from: AnxietyDisord3r on October 08, 2016, 11:43:24 AM
Retail is cutthroat as heck. I worked retail (Staples and CVS) and I worked food and food was a lot better because you're a team that works together. Yes, there are some jerks working in food (not to mention the ex cons--but they aren't all bad), but it's not a situation like in retail where people steal sales commissions from each other and managers threaten workers for not making sales quotas so they can make a raise and having to lie to customers to sell add ons like service plans. To have a good experience in food just apply to a place you really like to eat at. I have another friend who's had lots of trouble keeping jobs but worked a whole year at Chipotle b/c she liked the food and it was an okay place to work despite having a crummy general manager. I wouldn't assume that just because you are burned out on retail that you can't handle food. OTOH if you have a really, really bad sound distraction problem I could see how food wouldn't work out. I am personally distracted by music but not by banging and crashing sounds so the noise in a restaurant never bothered me.

Just can't help but think that food/kitchen would be worse but you do bring a good point about retail and to why I would never do sales to save my life. Maybe food/kitchen wouldn't be bad if I can get somewhere that understands autistic people and honestly that's the kind of employer I want I know that's being picky but if I have to be stuck with a crummy job I rather it be one that's at least understanding. The banging and crashing sounds would not only bother me but those sounds scare the living daylights out of me. 

Quote from: AnxietyDisord3r on October 08, 2016, 11:43:24 AM
There's a whole field known as data entry where you look at sheets and enter the stuff into the computer. If you're good with a keyboard you could do that. Minimal interaction with others and you're typically paid piecework rates so your pay is relative to your fastness and accuracy.

I could do data entry if fastness wouldn't a factor. Accuracy I can do. Being fast not so much. I took keyboarding in high school and college and best I can do is like 20-30 words a minute. But yeah if I can get with someone who rather me be accurate than fast then I would do data entry for sure.   

Big issue I have is why isn't more being done to help us that are on the spectrum like with employment and helping with costs of getting an official diagnosis for late bloomers such myself this continues to be a hot topic issue on the autism boards on ->-bleeped-<- and Wrong Planet and it also saddens me that there are many who defend the system's unwillingness to help and defend employers for rejecting autistic job seekers like what did we do to deserve this??

   

Quote from: EmilyRyan on October 09, 2016, 11:26:18 PM
Big issue I have is why isn't more being done to help us that are on the spectrum like with employment and helping with costs of getting an official diagnosis for late bloomers such myself this continues to be a hot topic issue on the autism boards on ->-bleeped-<- and Wrong Planet and it also saddens me that there are many who defend the system's unwillingness to help and defend employers for rejecting autistic job seekers like what did we do to deserve this??

Deserve has nothing to do with it. Societies are collectives that take on a life and persona of their own and as such have their own moral compasses and sensibilities that is indoctrinated to the individual members. Usually this compass is created and pitched for the lowest common denominator. Cultural change takes time. The best we can hope for is to be that change.


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Quote from: Gertrude on October 10, 2016, 06:45:16 PM
Deserve has nothing to do with it. Societies are collectives that take on a life and persona of their own and as such have their own moral compasses and sensibilities that is indoctrinated to the individual members. Usually this compass is created and pitched for the lowest common denominator. Cultural change takes time. The best we can hope for is to be that change.

And it's a shame it still like this in 2016

Today I've decided I'm not get a job until I finally have a proper diagnosis.

Decided to try my luck again on landing a job and went against my better judgement of applying to a fast food place. Much to my surprise I got an interview which I just had earlier today. The interview didn't go well and not only that but today's experience further makes my case of what is wrong with employers and the culture that encourages their prejudices. First I thought the interview was going well with the usual like showing up on time and looking presentable (and in male mode since I'm not on hrt), questions were basic and nothing difficult or out of nowhere and I thought I was maintaining good eye contact. Unfortunately that wasn't the case cause the interviewer then suddenly mentioned that the was I was maintaining eye contact was "odd" and proceeded to mention I seemed clueless cause the way I spoke when answering questions and this is where I thought this was a cue to admit that I am "in the process" of getting tested for ASD and I went on to explain that I was capable of performing duties and what not. After waiting almost 20 minutes after the interview I was then told "I didn't meet the qualifications" for the position. Yeah right I know why I wasn't hired but there's nothing I can do about it.

Best thing now is to find a place that'll test and diagnose at little to no cost (which isn't looking likely) and once I'm finally diagnosed (if ever) I'll just simply rely on what services are available that help with employment. At this point this most likely my only way of ever achieving employment.           

Anyone here possibly have any ideas how I can further self advocate?? I'm running out of options and every passing week is getting more discouraging

I guess I'm better off either committing myself to a psych ward or suicide.... sorta leaning toward suicide. I can't get no help in any of my situations college counselors are no help, autism support boards are no help,contacted several organizations and they don't offer diagnostic services and there's no funds to help either and each had made clear I have to be diagnosed to even receive help, I'm constantly ignored on here though I know why but it's not helping my case, I still can't get a job due to my issues and can't hide my issues.

I'm freaking better off dead since I can't get the help I need  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(     

Sweetie. We are listening and we do care.

As you've listed in you posts below, Walmart and Home Depot do have a positive position on staff diversity. I'd keep knocking on those doors, they will more likely open up.

Alternatively, have you thought about janitorial work or cleaning offices.? Yes, both are minimum wage, but hey, something is better than nothing, if it helps along the path. Even  babysitting can fit around your studies, but won't be fixed or regular.

Sno

Quote from: EmilyRyan on October 10, 2016, 11:13:06 PM
And it's a shame it still like this in 2016

It won't always be this way


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Quote from: EmilyRyan on October 15, 2016, 11:42:46 PM
I guess I'm better off either committing myself to a psych ward or suicide.... sorta leaning toward suicide. I can't get no help in any of my situations college counselors are no help, autism support boards are no help,contacted several organizations and they don't offer diagnostic services and there's no funds to help either and each had made clear I have to be diagnosed to even receive help, I'm constantly ignored on here though I know why but it's not helping my case, I still can't get a job due to my issues and can't hide my issues.

I'm freaking better off dead since I can't get the help I need  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(     

Pm sent. Let me know how I can help.


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Decided to email Vanderbilt's Kennedy Center that does autism testing/diagnosing to see if they take in adults and if not hopefully they'll recommend somewhere that does and at low cost.

Quote from: Sno on October 16, 2016, 05:14:11 AM
Sweetie. We are listening and we do care.

As you've listed in you posts below, Walmart and Home Depot do have a positive position on staff diversity. I'd keep knocking on those doors, they will more likely open up.

Alternatively, have you thought about janitorial work or cleaning offices.? Yes, both are minimum wage, but hey, something is better than nothing, if it helps along the path. Even  babysitting can fit around your studies, but won't be fixed or regular.

Sno

Nothing will hire me and there's no opportunities for odd jobs where I live and I don't have the means or aptitude to start my own business either. As for cleaning I gotta be honest that's yet another thing that overwhelms me severely. 

Well just found out that Vanderbilt doesn't screen adults for autism not like I could afford there anyway if they did.

Vanderbilt recommended this counseling place called Athena, also in Nashville, that happens to screen to adults. Sent them an email asking if there is anything they can do for someone like me that doesn't have a whole lot of money.

Hope to hear good news if not I may seriously consider suicide 

Emily,

Why don't you try your GP.

I totally understand your frustration, and desperation, and this will be being picked up along with everything else. Explain how you are feeling, (angry, frustrated, desperate, depressed?), and see if they can do anything to help the world stop seeming so bleak, without checking in to your local unit. Hopefully college is going ok, draw on that sense of achievement sweetie, it will get you through.

Sno

Quote from: Sno on October 21, 2016, 08:44:41 PM
Emily,

Why don't you try your GP.

I totally understand your frustration, and desperation, and this will be being picked up along with everything else. Explain how you are feeling, (angry, frustrated, desperate, depressed?), and see if they can do anything to help the world stop seeming so bleak, without checking in to your local unit. Hopefully college is going ok, draw on that sense of achievement sweetie, it will get you through.

Sno

Thing is I don't have a GP haven't had one for about ten years now.

And college is going fantastic it's the only thing keeping me going actually.

I really don't know what to do anymore  :'(

Well got an email response from this place that does screen adults can't afford it though even with their sliding scale the costs would still be too much.

Screw it I'm done I can't get any freaking help all everyone insists I do is get a job to pay the costs well here's the problem NO ONE WILL HIRE ME!!! Oh can't get a job why not start a business sure let me get onto that one thing though I DON"T HAVE RESOURCES OR THE MONEY TO DO SO!!!

At the end of the week I'm checking myself in and I'm not ever leaving I've had it with life