Dread of going..how to get through this

[AstraNova55]

I work from home and only go into the office for team meetings. I never look forward to them and the next one will include the manager whom I’ve never really gelled with. I think she finds me different, not wrong I am.

Im dreading going and find it hard to converse as it is, how do I get through this and look normal?

Do you have a role/agenda? I find making bullet points helpful.

Plan one small-talk question you can ask in her advance. Can be banal: got any holiday plans etc

And tell yourself it doesn’t matter if she finds you different, she just has to find you competent enough at your job,

Similar to the response above, I always take notes in meetings even if I don’t need to. It keeps me focused and engaged (I have ADHD). It allows you have to a reason to have your eyes down some of the time, to reduce the amount of occasions you’re likely to meet someone’s eyes awkwardly.

You have differences. Being on the receiving end of this woman’s ignorance isn’t one of them. You need to speak with your boss and explain why you struggle. They need to make reasonable adjustments.

You can quote Dr Luke Beardon… “Autism + environment = outcome”. Your anxiety can and ought to be considered and alleviated. Your employer knows this. Speak up. Right now.