Sometimes I'm 'high-functioning', like when I'm writing, fully dressed, with a cup of coffee I've made, listening to music.

Other times I'm not. When I haven't the energy to make a drink, the wherewithal to get dressed properly or I'm in meltdown cos it's too hot.

#autism

That's why 'functioning' labels are so pointless. There's no consistency to an #autistic person's ability to function, other than the correlation that stress leads to problems. We have tremendously 'spiky' skills profiles.

Either amazing at stuff or bloody dreadful.

One day I'll be full of beans, able to mask, have the spoons for all sorts of challenges. Next day I'll be wiped out, barely able to talk, completely exhausted, overwhelmed by sensory information. #autism

This is why employers can have real issues with us. They have no real comprehension of what an #autistic 'off day' can look like. Why would they? Not many talk about it, especially in 'training'.

This leads to getting sacked, at its worst.

I think the off days can be considerably reduced in number and severity if #autistic people are treated with compassion and not pushed beyond limits.

Trouble is, we get pushed beyond our limits all the time, often by ourselves.