What should I do at work?

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At work they keep changing my schedule or asking me to stay after when I wasn't scheduled to. I was actually glad last week because they said they would schedule me to come in at the same time every day and to stay til the same time or earlier, which makes things a lot easier for me, and that is what they did... last week. This week I have been scheduled like before, coming in at different times and not knowing what time I need to stay for. I'm sort of used to it as this is how it's been for a while, but I felt like I was doing a lot better with the way it was last week.

I was actually an hour late today, as I'm used to being scheduled for 8, so I came in at 8 only to realize that I was scheduled for 7. I don't want to sound whiny or like I'm making excuses, but It is kind of annoying that they can't seem to remember that they already told me I'd be scheduled for 8 every day. Before, it was all over the place, having me come in anytime from 5 to 8. I didn't realize at first, but that's why I was late even for the 8 o'clock shifts a lot, because it was never predictable and I would be stressed about work every night because I couldn't remember what time I was supposed to come in the next day.

The only one who knows about my Asperger's diagnosis is the GM, but I never got a chance to fully explain it and I never mentioned anything about routines. Talking to anyone else there I don't know if they'd understand (or care). Plus I just really dislike asking for special favors, their scheduling me for the same times every day was more due to luck than any effort on my part to make them aware that it would help me.

I already mentioned to them that I was confused that they switched my schedule around, but I didn't make it sound like it was going to cause any problems. From what they said they might switch it back to normal as I requested, but then again if they don't see it as an issue they may just not do anything about it. I have to keep this job for probably another 8 weeks at least so I literally cannot afford to get fired. Should I try to bring it up and be more forward about it?

I am just used to people telling me to stop making excuses, my parents and many others did it all the time, so I have a very hard time asking people to make any sort of accommodation for me. How do I do it without coming across as unsure? I know I look like I lack confidence because I stumble over my words, talk to quickly or too slowly, and I don't make much eye contact, so that may lead them to think it's not that important. But it really would help me a lot.

Not really sure what to tell you and is the job only for 8 more weeks and if so perhaps you could ask for a set schedule each week. Or if its only 8 more weeks then stick it out and write down the schedule for the next day on a sticky note so you can set your alarm clock accordingly for the next day. Hope the job works out ok.

Hi L_Holmes. Under the Americans With Disabilites Act, if your employer employs 15 or more people, they are required by law to make reasonable accommodations for you that are necessary due to your disability. Scheduling you for the same shifts each week certainly qualifies as "reasonable." I know it can be difficult to ask for an accommodation, but you will not sound whiny or like you are making excuses. Simply tell the GM what you need and why you need it. If you are denied, quote the ADA. As for sounding unsure, practice what you are going to say over and over again until it sounds assertive. You have a job as well as a right to keep it. You can do it!

True, it is only another eight weeks, but your GM would probably complain if he or she learns that you haven't fully explained your disability (routines, schedules, etc.) in the seventh week when things get even more hectic. I would find a way to chat briefly with the GM and say, that, while you are willing to continue following the schedule changes through the eight weeks as best you can, doing so might result in your work being a little less than it should be. Explain your need for some accommodations. Watch how fast the GM accommodates you. To him or her, making your schedule more consistent is a small price to pay for you being able to perform the best you can.