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I’m autistic. I do well programming but on the spot it’s hard for me to use words well. I sometimes even forget basic words and concepts! My brain does that due

by ok_dad 3y ago

I’m autistic. I do well programming but on the spot it’s hard for me to use words well. I sometimes even forget basic words and concepts! My brain does that due to stress in an interview, but day to day I’m fine developing very advanced software and algorithms. I don’t know how many times I have to say this: you’re thinking about the average, neurotypical, able bodied persons when you assume things, but often logic or common sense does not work with disabled or neurodivergent people. Please consider that next time maybe you can provide a second chance somehow with less stress. One thing is, if i have code in front of me, I can explain it pretty well I think. Maybe ask them to prepare samples and walk through them? Edit: this was meant for the grand parent commenter

sokoloff 3y ago
In a situation like yours, let the recruiter know your situation ahead of time* and they can help coordinate adjusting the interview process to accommodate a different way that you can demonstrate your capability to succeed in the role. I think it's not reasonable/fair to other candidates to give a literal "second chance somehow", but it's entirely reasonable to adjust the format of the first chance to allow a non-neurotypical candidate a reasonable chance to succeed. * I suspect you probably already know to do this; this is not meant as "advice to you" so much as "here's how it could be made workable and fair if that was the situation".
- ok_dad 3y ago
  Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it since I know advice like this comes from a place of kindness and caring. I have mixed success with telling people about my autism. Some places will take it as a sign I’ll be a unique problem and ghost me. I’ve learned mostly I have to mask as good as I can and hope it works. People only seem to be kind towards obviously autistic children, older men who are only low level autistic and can pass for “normal“ tend to be seen as dickheads regardless. I’m trying to be better at social stuff so I don’t seem an asshole, but my brain just can’t get some things down! But maybe I should try to bring it up again next time I interview, honestly it’s been years since I’ve had to really interview hard, maybe people are kinder and more understanding today. Lucky for me I was laid off and can get that practice in now!
  - sokoloff 3y ago
    Sorry to hear about your recent luck.

by ok_dad 3y ago

sokoloff 3y ago

In a situation like yours, let the recruiter know your situation ahead of time* and they can help coordinate adjusting the interview process to accommodate a different way that you can demonstrate your capability to succeed in the role. I think it's not reasonable/fair to other candidates to give a literal "second chance somehow", but it's entirely reasonable to adjust the format of the first chance to allow a non-neurotypical candidate a reasonable chance to succeed. * I suspect you probably already know to do this; this is not meant as "advice to you" so much as "here's how it could be made workable and fair if that was the situation".

ok_dad 3y ago
Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it since I know advice like this comes from a place of kindness and caring. I have mixed success with telling people about my autism. Some places will take it as a sign I’ll be a unique problem and ghost me. I’ve learned mostly I have to mask as good as I can and hope it works. People only seem to be kind towards obviously autistic children, older men who are only low level autistic and can pass for “normal“ tend to be seen as dickheads regardless. I’m trying to be better at social stuff so I don’t seem an asshole, but my brain just can’t get some things down! But maybe I should try to bring it up again next time I interview, honestly it’s been years since I’ve had to really interview hard, maybe people are kinder and more understanding today. Lucky for me I was laid off and can get that practice in now!
- sokoloff 3y ago
  Sorry to hear about your recent luck.