A well-meaning corporate autism awareness day has had the unintended effect of triggering an extended bout of self-awareness in an autistic staff member, according to sources.
Graeme Hart, 36, thought he was turning up for a normal workday, only to be bundled into a meeting room like he was being pressganged into the Navy. After getting his bearings and pocketing an unreasonable number of free biscuits, Hart was horrified to see a slide reading “Autism Awareness in the Workplace”, in front of which stood a neurotypical consultant with an unsettlingly well-meaning smile.
Hart said: “From the first slide I knew I was in trouble.” The presenter then reportedly began mercilessly dragging Hart from hell to breakfast, outlining his traits and behaviours like he was a bug pinned to a board by a Victorian naturepervert.
“By the time it was over,” Hart continued, “I was absolutely exhausted. I felt totally naked. All I could think was ‘Oh I really am like that, aren’t I?’ They may as well have called it ‘Isn’t Graeme a Horrid Little Goblin Awareness Day’.”
On returning to his desk, Hart managed to steady himself for just long enough to see a calendar invite for a stress-awareness workshop, which immediately sent him into an anxiety spiral.
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