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Ask HN: Are there positions that an autistic software engineer can hold?

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Re: Ask HN: Are there positions that an autistic software engineer can hold?

#11

Post by magne »

big_question wrote: post #5
poutinepapi wrote: post #3

Right mate, so I'm not autistic, but I've been a software engineer for a little bit over a decade, so I can at least help with that. So, in general, the "harder" the technical work, the less you talk to people. So if you want to avoid the MBAs, suits, bean-counters and other assorted ghouls, look for the "hardest" technical work. The simplest way, anything that involves complex mathematics like cryptography, finance,…

Thanks! I've considered moving closer to hardware. Rust is a potential option, but jobs are scarce it seems. Lots of good ideas, thanks! I live in a good country with a decent social support system. Technically I could live on disability, but would rather do some work.

I’ve been working in the Hardware space for about 10 years now in consumer electronics as a firmware engineer and I find that at least 30% of my time is spent interacting and in meetings with cross functional teams. Just due to the nature of electronics requiring many different disciplines such as Product Design, electrical engineers, software, QA, UXR, PMs etc it can actually be hard to get away without having meetings at all in order to ship a large project. I also find that there’s a heavy culture in the HW space to give presentations and learnings regularly. Not trying to dissuade you from hardware because I’m sure there are HW positions that arent like I mentioned but just something that might be helpful when considering.

Re: Ask HN: Are there positions that an autistic software engineer can hold?

#12

Post by mattfields »

This was the question I jumped on today to ask.

Not aspergers/autistic, but neurodivergent, and the thought of working in an office, which my next position is likely to entail, is nauseating.

I don't know if I can function in that environment with people moving around constantly, and am worried that asking "hey, can I be remote only?" right off the bat is a big negative when interviewing.

Thanks for asking this. :-)

Re: Ask HN: Are there positions that an autistic software engineer can hold?

#13

Post by mattfields »

nikhizzle wrote: post #2

I’m an engineering manager who has formerly had autistic employees. The single most important thing is finding an engineering manager who understands the trade offs of hiring someone like you and is willing to support you. I would consider trying a hedge fund such as two sigma which is know to have a supportive environment for people whose brains are wired differently.

Hey! Could you give any insights as to what would make it easier (from your perspective as an engineering manager) to work with AS employees?

Social skills aren't the issue here, just inability to function in a noisy / motion-filled environment.

Re: Ask HN: Are there positions that an autistic software engineer can hold?

#14

Post by mattfields »

poutinepapi wrote: post #3

Right mate, so I'm not autistic, but I've been a software engineer for a little bit over a decade, so I can at least help with that. So, in general, the "harder" the technical work, the less you talk to people. So if you want to avoid the MBAs, suits, bean-counters and other assorted ghouls, look for the "hardest" technical work. The simplest way, anything that involves complex mathematics like cryptography, finance,…

Gotta love you supportive people. This is what makes HN a great community.

Re: Ask HN: Are there positions that an autistic software engineer can hold?

#15

Post by nikhizzle »

mattfields wrote: post #13
nikhizzle wrote: post #2

I’m an engineering manager who has formerly had autistic employees. The single most important thing is finding an engineering manager who understands the trade offs of hiring someone like you and is willing to support you. I would consider trying a hedge fund such as two sigma which is know to have a supportive environment for people whose brains are wired differently.

Hey! Could you give any insights as to what would make it easier (from your perspective as an engineering manager) to work with AS employees? Social skills aren't the issue here, just inability to function in a noisy / motion-filled environment.

Honestly, to me there is no difference in how I see AS employees. Every engineer has their own needs to be productive, and it’s my job to deeply understand them and give them a great environment.
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