By Flui
At Talos Foundation, we believe that sharing lived experiences is one of the most powerful ways to change mindsets. This month, we’re honored to feature a story from our volunteer writer, Flui, who reflects on the realities of navigating education, employment, and life with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“I’m an adult with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), diagnosed at age three. As a child, I didn’t look at people, which seemed strange. I’ve been seeing psychiatrists regularly, but many doctors still have limited knowledge of ASD and may not truly understand my needs.”
Flui’s journey reflects both the resilience and the systemic barriers many neurodivergent adults still face. From mainstream schooling to a string of short-term jobs arranged through the Labour Department’s Selective Placement Division, the lack of consistent support left Flui changing roles every few months.
There were moments of promise — such as a stable four-year contract with a foreign IT company — but workplace misunderstandings and managerial turnover brought new challenges. Without adequate workplace support, Flui’s mental health suffered, leading to crisis referrals and weekly support sessions that did not address the underlying stress.
“During this difficult time, I’m deeply grateful to close friends and studio owners who embraced me, listened, and recognized my efforts. This support kept me from giving up and convinced me that we weren’t incapable, but simply weren’t being treated well.”
Flui ends with a call for understanding and action:
“I hope kind-hearted companies and organizations will give us opportunities and not deny our value simply because we have ASD. We are not marginalized; we are the most powerful group in our community.”
Why this story matters
Stories like Flui’s remind us why Talos Foundation continues to push for inclusive workplaces and communities. They highlight the importance of consistent support, compassionate leadership, and real opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
If you’d like to read more personal stories and learn how you can be part of building a more inclusive society, sign up for our newsletter or connect with us at talos-foundation.org.
If you’re an employer, explore how you can make your workplace more inclusive.
If you’re neurodivergent and want to share your story, contact us.