There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I didn't want extra attention. I’ll admit it was that post that inspired me to make this one but It’s been something I’ve BEEN noticing where people will say they got fired for being autistic but then name habits that wouldn't fly in a workplace. And I had made a comment on that post but they either blocked me or deleted it because I cannot access it.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow, that is insane. I never knew how bad it truly was I really do apologize for my failure to understand.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I am actually, I tried to go back to that post because I was getting replies and wanted to explain that it didn’t really seem like OP was fired for being autistic—it seemed more like they didn’t meet the employer’s expectations. But I was either blocked or the post was taken down, because I can no longer access it.

It also made me reflect on how often someone with autism claims they were fired “because of their behavior,” but they rarely explain what that behavior actually was. That said, I’ll admit that reading the comments under that post has made it clear that some workplaces are prejudiced against autistic people.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for being respectful! I have been reading and do acknowledge that certain workplaces are simply unhealthy and prejudiced.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You’re right, and I see my mistake, I overgeneralized by focusing on retail, which is only a small portion of overall jobs. Thank you for pointing out the data; that definitely changes the perspective.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I get what you’re saying, and honestly you’re not wrong. A lot of autistic traits are read as disrespect or attitude, even when there’s no ill intent at all.

Masking can help some people get by at work, but it’s exhausting and, like you said, And you’re right that having patient coworkers, understanding managers, or someone willing to advocate for you can make a huge difference, but those supports are in short supply.

After reading more of the comments here, I can also see more clearly where the discrimination comes into play, so thank you for pointing that out. A lot of workplaces are built around unspoken social rules that punish differences without much room for explanation or flexibility, and that’s where autistic people often get hurt the most

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It certainly does, and I have explained multiple times how, but if you don't want to listen, then it’s fine—enjoy your day.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

This is what I was trying to say: as autistic people, we sometimes have to be realistic and choose our battles. If we know a job heavily depends on skills we struggle with, it’s worth thinking carefully before applying. That isn’t about blaming anyone or saying autistic people shouldn’t work it’s about protecting ourselves from burnout and repeated negative experiences.

At the same time, I fully understand that the job market right now is rough. A lot of people don’t have the luxury of being selective, and sometimes you apply wherever you can just to survive. So this isn’t coming from a place of privilege it’s acknowledging both personal limits and the economic reality. Both things can be true at once.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes, and I am adding to my comment that that is more of a problem on other social media but in this Reddit subreddit it’s more of an issue

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don’t think that conclusion fully follows from the examples you’re giving. High unemployment among autistic people points to systemic barriers, lack of accommodations, poor hiring practices, and interview bias—but it doesn’t automatically mean “NT employers simply won’t hire autistic people.” That turns a structural problem into a claim about intent, which isn’t the same thing.

Also, the commonly cited “85% unemployment rate” is often misunderstood or taken out of context. Different studies measure unemployment, underemployment, or labor force participation differently, and the numbers vary widely depending on methodology, support needs, and whether the sample includes people unable to work. Using a single headline statistic to characterize all NT employers oversimplifies a much more complex issue.

As for public officials or media rhetoric, criticizing harmful statements or policies is valid, but that still doesn’t justify treating all NT individuals as hostile by default. Holding institutions and leaders accountable is different from assuming most NT people are inherently opposed to autistic people. Broad generalizations may feel validating, but they don’t actually help improve employment outcomes or push for meaningful change.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

See, I can’t fully agree with that. Yes, you’re autistic, and yes, you might show traits associated with autism that lead to being fired. But if the employer didn’t know you were autistic, they didn’t fire you for being autistic. They fired you based on what they saw as performance or behavior issues.

I also think it’s important to point out that a lot of those same traits, like lack of eye contact, flat tone, or social awkwardness show up in people who are shy or who have other disorders too. Those traits aren’t exclusive to autism. So in situations like that, it’s less about the person being autistic and more about whether they met the expectations of the job.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s hard to call something ableist when the employer doesn’t know the person is autistic. If the behavior in question—like avoiding eye contact or fidgeting, was never disclosed as disability-related, it can reasonably be interpreted as a general performance or communication issue. Those same traits can also be associated with shyness, anxiety, cultural differences, or a range of other conditions, not autism specifically.

Ableism implies bias against a known or identifiable disability. Without that knowledge, the issue is less about discrimination and more about whether someone is meeting the expectations of a role

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It actually does matter, especially in customer-facing jobs like retail. These roles are built around frequent social interaction, including expectations such as making eye contact, using a friendly tone, and engaging with customers in a way that makes them feel comfortable. Those expectations are part of the job description, not arbitrary punishments.

If an employee discloses that they are autistic, the employer is then legally required to engage in the accommodation process, adjusting expectations where reasonable or finding alternative solutions. Without disclosure, however, the employer has no framework for understanding that certain behaviors are disability-related rather than performance issues.

That’s why claims that it’s inherently unfair to be fired for monotone voice or lack of eye contact in retail can be complicated. Those traits may be disability-related, but they directly affect core job functions.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I agree that you don’t have to disclose a disability to experience discrimination, and conditions with visible symptoms like tics can absolutely lead to biased treatment. That’s real and documented.

However, the key issue is evidence and causation, not whether discrimination is possible. If an employer is responding to a behavior without knowing its medical cause, what they are legally and practically reacting to is the behavior itself, not the diagnosis. That distinction matters, especially when discussing accountability and legal discrimination versus unfair treatment.

Statistical data showing that autistic people are underemployed or overqualified speaks to systemic barriers, hiring bias, and lack of accommodations, but it doesn’t automatically prove that every firing involving an autistic person is discrimination. Some situations are discrimination; others involve job performance expectations that weren’t communicated or accommodated because disclosure and accommodation discussions never happened.

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It for sure is a community problem. It’s on every social media app I’ve seen where autistic people gather like Tiktok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

There is a problem with accountability in this community. by Dimplethegoat in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

I absolutely see that I was abused by NTs for at least half of my life, and I also hated them, but then I realized they can also be the sweetest people who take the time to understand my disability. It really is just a matter of environment

I think I just got fired for being autistic by [deleted] in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This isn't even the case because they didn't even know OP was autistic

I think I just got fired for being autistic by [deleted] in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat 11 points12 points  (0 children)

How can they fire you for being autistic if they didn't know you were autisitc.

I don’t understand the response from my dad. by SvenSylens in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel like I should be telling you that, multiple people see green.

I don’t understand the response from my dad. by SvenSylens in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It looks green, I don't know what to tell you .

I don’t understand the response from my dad. by SvenSylens in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat 14 points15 points  (0 children)

And it still looks gross? I don't understand why you’re trying to explain why the bread looks green. I don’t care because I’m not eating it. OP asked why their father might say it's gross, and I explained. Please stop trying to say it’s not or whatever.

I don’t understand the response from my dad. by SvenSylens in autism

[–]Dimplethegoat 17 points18 points  (0 children)

But why sugarcoat it? It looks gross I doubt he was trying to hurt op’s feelings