Reasonable Accommodations for a Federal Aspie

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Here's my situation. I believe I have AS. I will get the results of the testing next week with an official diagnosis. I hate my job: I have a Ph.D. and am doing work that doesn't even require a degree, not to mention that it is repetitious, tedious, requires great (not just good) social skills, and has nothing to do with ideas, which interest me the most. (It wasn't always like this.) I had a meltdown at work that scared people and now have a sword of Damocles hanging over throat as a result. The meltdown result from several years' frustration with and stress from work and relationships. So, what can I ask for? Classical music relaxes me, but streaming it to my desk is against the rules. I've also thought of taking month-long sabbaticals to do interesting things away from the democratic centralization at work. Any other ideas?

And, yes, I have been looking for other work, but my autism dogs me there. My consulting career has been a very modest success. It requires networking, which is not something we are any good at. My last interview in another agency went bad although I thought it went well. They loved me on paper, but don't want to socialize with me, so they're not hiring anyone. One interviewer triggered my difficulty in looking him in the eyes, which happens sporadically for no apparent reason.

I work for the UK government. I can't have a radio on like I would at home, but my line manager agreed that it would be reasonable for me to use an iPod on those occasions where I needed it, as long as it was not so loud that it disturbed others or stopped me from hearing the phone or people speaking to me.

We have an office "flexible working" programme, and I normally work from home two days a month as part of that.

An iPod is out of the question. Besides, it's permitted. I want to stream classical music because it's relaxing, has tremendous variety and I don't have the money or time to build a classical CD collection. Besides, it wouldn't fit on an iPod, or, if it did, it would sound terrible.

Well, you could get the NPR podcast, "all songs considered," which is apparently classical music. Also, you could probably stream music to your computer and put headphones on. Would that be allowed?

Since you don't want to go the mp3 player way because of the sound quality, what about buying a good pair of wireless headphones? This would allow you to stream higher quality music directly from your computer or CD Player without disturbing others. The lack of a cord would make it easier for you to move around your office, etc. as well as to quickly remove them to answer the phone.

Or if you prefer, do you think it would be acceptable for you to bring in a small air purifier so you can benefit from the calming sounds of the white noise they tend to generate? (Your ostensible reason for bringing it in would either be for preventing the symptoms of allergies and/or for reducing the chance of dust interfering with your computer.)

More Ideas:

I don't know if this would work for your particular situation, but when my grandmother worked for the goverment at the county level (mental hospital admin) she kept a small low-maintenence fish tank in her office so she could use it to de-stress visually. Others might find a tending a plant or two serves a similar purpose.

I like the idea of month long sabbaticals and idea vacations. Also, what about setting aside 30 minutes a day after (or before) work to go for a walk somewhere leafy and green while you listen to classical music?

You don't menton if you have a job in the U.S. federal system. If I were you, I would lay low for a while until some time passes, if you can. Act apologetic. I worked in a job n the U.S. federal government for many years and was so bored when I was there, but I really wish I had that job now. The agency I was with had many aspies. There was one guy who was savant-like and could never make eye-contact with anyone, but he was protected by supervisors because he did hs job well. The pay and benefits were awfully good for the amount of work we all did too. Good luck.

I numbered you paragraphs for my convenience.

1. Streaming audio or video that is not work-related is against the rules. I don't know whether an exception would be made. My agency is very rule-bound, even when they don't make sense.

2. We have white noise already piped in.

3. That's not for me.

4. There is no place green and leafy in which to walk.

Nonetheless, thanks for your ideas.

I wish my agency were like that. It's impossible to lie low when everyone is looking at you (and everyone else). We do have a number of Aspies in other Divisions. My supervisor is trying to protect me, but he is severely limited in what he can do. My Division Chief is mentally ill, but can't be forced to even be evaluated. The fear and punitiveness in my Division come from his fear of criticism.

@LinnaeusCat:

Picking on your idea of going for walks in green areas, I did something similar in grad school. We had a park-like area in the center of campus on a hill with trees, flowers, other plantings and running water. I'd go there occasionally to relax. Unfortunately, it was surrounded by campus buildings which destroyed the sense of isolation and reminded me of what was stressing me in the first place.

I just finished my formal autism evaluation (DX: AS) and the psychologist is recommending other accomodations:

1. A social intelligence coach (nonexistent in my agency for now)

2. Independent tasks

3. No managerial responsibilities

The first can be very helpful in all parts of life. The second frees me from interpersonal issues. The third removes the pressure to become a manager.

We'll see how these are implemented. It may be like turning around an ocean liner. I don't want to have to go the legal route using the ADA, but, at least, I'm now covered.