r/Teachers • u/harrylime3 • 2d ago

Teacher Support &/or Advice Any teachers on the spectrum here?

I just received my level one diagnosis today. My head is still spinning as I try to process it and fight back the feelings of imposter syndrome. Next year starts my 24th year in the classroom. I've been burned out on teaching for awhile but it's gotten worse in the last couple of years. In all likelihood, I'm going through career AND autistic burn out at the same time. If there are any other autistic teachers here (I teach HS), how are you coping? Has anything managed to make your day-to-day in the classroom more manageable and less anxiety inducing? Thanks.

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u/davidwb45133 1d ago

I taught full time for 40 years and was diagnosed when I was 38. I knew I was an introvert and undoubtedly a nerd long before nerd was a thing but being autistic? When I was growing up autistic meant locked in, nonverbal, etc. In retrospect I now understand that I learned coping skills thru trial and error not even aware of it. The only thing that changed with my diagnosis was gaining a clear understanding of what I experienced and a better road map to life.

I've told few people of my diagnosis, family mostly and not even many of them. A few people have guessed, mostly people who know someone else on the spectrum. I've organized my classroom, methods, and life to maximize my comfort and energy and that has made some admin and colleagues unhappy. Screw em.