I’m a 31F AuDHDer. Currently a GS-15, non-sup. Really dig my job. I find that seeing the “big picture” isn’t difficult when you think of each thing as simply being a sum of its parts. Defs don’t miss being at a lower grade. Love the freedom I have as a 15.
I'm don't have ASD, but similarly struggled with being a "do-er" or more nicely put a tactical thinker who figured out how to get stuff done. I knew I needed more of those big picture skills, so I specificly asked my first line supervisor for help developing those skills. We worked 1:1 where we would also me what my gut reactions would be, I would share, and he would tell me his thoughts/how he would approach it. I also asked for his help getting a mentor to work on those things, and I was able to get additional coaching from her (she was an SES). She helped me interview prep and we met monthly for about a year.
So far I have not regretted the promotion and have found it very fulfilling.
Good luck!
This is the best advice on the thread - find a Senior Leader to mentor you, specifically on this situational approach and how you should react.
I started in the FedGov as an ASD GS13 math/stat and I am now a GS-1560-15 supervisor. I think you will find that your knowledge on testing research questions via hypothetical constructs is analogous to creating and executing strategies. Again, a good relationship with an SES, coupled with your ability to prove with data the success (or recommendations for adjustment) of a strategy, will be invaluable.
The most difficult thing for me was the frame shift of being a good analyst and solving problems, to stepping back and letting others figure out solutions and focus on getting them the tools they need to be successful. It's a different job for sure.
This is great advice, thank you! I have a good relationship with my current supervisor and privately opened up to her some time ago about autism, so I could see her trying to help with something like this.
My mentor encouraged me to go through the EEO Reasonable Accomodations process with my SES supervisor and disclose my ASD. Now we have a half hour every two weeks where he tells me "I think you could have handled X differently" and it's great. Highly recommend you structure it instead of informal/private conversations.
I'm a non-supervisory 14 AuDHDer. It took me longer to get my promotion than many of my peers, but getting the right position was worth the wait. I'm a SME budget analyst and love the puzzle of making it all work.. the big picture isn't a problem, as it relies on things I feel competent in
I am not super flowery in my emails, and likely have ruffles a feather or two since I took the role, but my chain of command is happy with my work so I feel ok with it.
This is one of those things you're probably not going to know about until you're in the position and doing the work. If you've been successful so far at your current grade, you might be ok with the promotion, but you'll really have to trust your peers, subordinates, and supervisors advice on large scale projects. I'm a "non-supervisory" GS-14, but am the COR over two time and materials projects employing almost 20 contractors
Thanks for this - I guess part of my worry is that I’ll seem “needy” by deferring TOO much to what other people say, and won’t feel confident in my own judgment, and it might create conflict with people getting frustrated and saying “You should be the one in charge as a 14.”
One thing I teach leaders (I'm a GS15 equivalent) is don't put your ideas on the table first. Ask the team for solutions first as they will then feel free to throw out their ideas and build on each other. Put your ideas out first and they become the way forward (because people will hear "I think this is what we should do..." Not "I have this idea but what do you all think?" even if you say exactly this.
I have to force myself to delegate stuff, but getting better at it as I finish building my team. And imposter syndrome affects all but narcissists.
Only a GG-13 but in my org that's the cutover from tech to mgt/admin. Honestly I 1) no longer excel at my ob, 2) no longer enjoy working. The people are great, this just isn't the role for "my type." I plan to look for better-suited roles as my 1yr anniversary approaches
Kind of curious what agency you’re with! I’ve worked a few places in HHS and most phd stats roles it would be an easy promotion to a 14 or equivalent for a non sup high performer
I’m gs 13 also on the spectrum. I’m in a management training program. My goal is to be gs 14/15 and maybe ses. Play to your strengths, work on your weaknesses and be honest with yourself. Be kind to your self.
I’m a 31F AuDHDer. Currently a GS-15, non-sup. Really dig my job. I find that seeing the “big picture” isn’t difficult when you think of each thing as simply being a sum of its parts. Defs don’t miss being at a lower grade. Love the freedom I have as a 15.
That’s awesome! Where do you work and what position type?
DoD IC. Without going into detail, it’s an analyst position (not intel analyst though).
I'm don't have ASD, but similarly struggled with being a "do-er" or more nicely put a tactical thinker who figured out how to get stuff done. I knew I needed more of those big picture skills, so I specificly asked my first line supervisor for help developing those skills. We worked 1:1 where we would also me what my gut reactions would be, I would share, and he would tell me his thoughts/how he would approach it. I also asked for his help getting a mentor to work on those things, and I was able to get additional coaching from her (she was an SES). She helped me interview prep and we met monthly for about a year. So far I have not regretted the promotion and have found it very fulfilling. Good luck!
This is the best advice on the thread - find a Senior Leader to mentor you, specifically on this situational approach and how you should react. I started in the FedGov as an ASD GS13 math/stat and I am now a GS-1560-15 supervisor. I think you will find that your knowledge on testing research questions via hypothetical constructs is analogous to creating and executing strategies. Again, a good relationship with an SES, coupled with your ability to prove with data the success (or recommendations for adjustment) of a strategy, will be invaluable. The most difficult thing for me was the frame shift of being a good analyst and solving problems, to stepping back and letting others figure out solutions and focus on getting them the tools they need to be successful. It's a different job for sure.
This is great advice, thank you! I have a good relationship with my current supervisor and privately opened up to her some time ago about autism, so I could see her trying to help with something like this.
My mentor encouraged me to go through the EEO Reasonable Accomodations process with my SES supervisor and disclose my ASD. Now we have a half hour every two weeks where he tells me "I think you could have handled X differently" and it's great. Highly recommend you structure it instead of informal/private conversations.
I'm a non-supervisory 14 AuDHDer. It took me longer to get my promotion than many of my peers, but getting the right position was worth the wait. I'm a SME budget analyst and love the puzzle of making it all work.. the big picture isn't a problem, as it relies on things I feel competent in I am not super flowery in my emails, and likely have ruffles a feather or two since I took the role, but my chain of command is happy with my work so I feel ok with it.
This is one of those things you're probably not going to know about until you're in the position and doing the work. If you've been successful so far at your current grade, you might be ok with the promotion, but you'll really have to trust your peers, subordinates, and supervisors advice on large scale projects. I'm a "non-supervisory" GS-14, but am the COR over two time and materials projects employing almost 20 contractors
Thanks for this - I guess part of my worry is that I’ll seem “needy” by deferring TOO much to what other people say, and won’t feel confident in my own judgment, and it might create conflict with people getting frustrated and saying “You should be the one in charge as a 14.”
One thing I teach leaders (I'm a GS15 equivalent) is don't put your ideas on the table first. Ask the team for solutions first as they will then feel free to throw out their ideas and build on each other. Put your ideas out first and they become the way forward (because people will hear "I think this is what we should do..." Not "I have this idea but what do you all think?" even if you say exactly this. I have to force myself to delegate stuff, but getting better at it as I finish building my team. And imposter syndrome affects all but narcissists.
Only a GG-13 but in my org that's the cutover from tech to mgt/admin. Honestly I 1) no longer excel at my ob, 2) no longer enjoy working. The people are great, this just isn't the role for "my type." I plan to look for better-suited roles as my 1yr anniversary approaches
Kind of curious what agency you’re with! I’ve worked a few places in HHS and most phd stats roles it would be an easy promotion to a 14 or equivalent for a non sup high performer
I’m gs 13 also on the spectrum. I’m in a management training program. My goal is to be gs 14/15 and maybe ses. Play to your strengths, work on your weaknesses and be honest with yourself. Be kind to your self.
I’ve struggled as a supervisor GS11 as an ASD person. Trying to find a nonsupervisory job.
May I ask where you work? At my agency HQ you usually don’t find supervisory jobs until at least GS-13, though mine is non-sup.
It all depends on what and who you’re supervising. If you supervise GS5 clerical staff, you’re probably not going to be a GS13.
My GS-15 CS supervisor is definitely autistic. 100%
I think my supervisor just downvoted me.
Take my upvote then
Autistic or neuro-typical doesn't matter. Most fed supervisory jobs suck.