Any disabled nannies?

[Anonymous]

I'm just curious to know if I'm alone or not. I was diagnosed with high-functioning autism as a child and have worked very hard to learn the ways of the world - to pass as "normal" for the most part, though I can tell my brain works in a different way from the majority and it's hard for me to be very social with my peers (20-somethings). I'm great with kids, though! Feels like I'm right on their level where it counts and able to be an adult where it's needed. I've worked as a nanny in the past and want to pursue it, though it's tough to find a good match with a family because I think a lot of potential employers think I seem a bit strange. (Once I've worked with someone for a while and they see what a positive impact I have on their children, I get raving reviews though.)

I thought on an anonymous forum this could be a good place to ask if there are any other nannies who have risen above their disorders/disabilities to create strong careers in the nanny world.

And in case anyone is unaware, here's a general rundown of autism:


What is Autism

Autism is a mental disorder which affects 1 in 100 people in the world. You cannot always tell that someone has autism upon appearance, it is known as a “hidden disability”. It impacts communication skills and is known in psychological terms as a neurodevelopmental disorder. This means that it affects the growth of the brain and the nervous system. It does this by changing how information is passed through the brain, known as synapses. People with autism can be over or under-sensitive to different senses, such as sound, tastes, smells and colors. Some people with autism live happy, independent lives whereas other people may be dependent on support.
Asperger Syndrome is another form of autism. Those with Asperger's have average or above average intelligence and fewer problems with speech. However, there are other effects of Asperger Syndrome that can affect someone in day to day social life. Like Autism, these can be;
Difficulty in empathy.
Difficulty in understanding other people’s wants and needs.
Difficulty in understanding other people’s thoughts.
Difficulty in making friends.
Difficulty in meeting new people.
Clumsiness and problems in co-ordination.

However, autism has other parts to it too. Some people with autism may be incredibly creative, such as in arts or music. They may also have other disabilities, such as dyslexia. Many people with autism cannot multitask, they are good at sticking with one activity

[Anonymous]

I don't identify as disabled per se, but struggle with mental health issues - depression and anxiety. This is not something that I ever disclose to employers. I am lucky to have a flexible therapist who will see me outside of my work hours (8:30-5:30 with no room for flexibility) so I don't have to worry about asking for time off from work.

The biggest (and, really, only) way that my mental health issues affect me as a nanny is that I go through phases of not having a ton of energy. Luckily, my 2 year old charge doesn't care about how I'm feeling on any given day, which forces me to suck it up and keep up with her. I compensate by taking a lot of "me time" outside of work.

I feel very lucky to be in the position I'm in - my disability/mental illness is not visible and I have resources available to me that have allowed me to cope. I recognize that many other people don't have these advantages I have. Nannying is not a career for me, but it has been a great stable job path to take while getting my life together and finishing up my degree.

OP, I think your self-awareness will only serve you as a nanny. It would be amazing if you could find a family with a child(ren) diagnosed with ASD and disclose your own diagnosis - your experience and knowledge would be a huge asset to that family. Of course, there is so much risk in disclosing any sort of diagnosis. I hope you find a great family to work with!

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't necessarily consider myself disordered, but I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in college. I grew up with a father who also had the disorder but ignored his diagnoses and I know how bad things can get if I let them. So I do everything I'm supposed to, to keep everything in check. I do not disclose this to employers, and I would guess that they have no idea.

[Anonymous]

I'm personally not disabled however my mother has muscular dystrophy (MD) and still had a successful career first as a nanny and then as an in - home daycare provider She found ways to work around her limitations, was very successful, and would probably still be working but my siblings and i bought her a small condo in Florida where she's quite happy

[Anonymous]

One of my nanny friends has Tourette's and is still able to find lovely families to work for.

[Anonymous]

I have depression and anxiety but I manage it with medication and therapy. It doesn't effect my ability to do my job.

[Anonymous]

I am bipolar. My current NF knows. They have been very understanding, and I feel lucky. I am great with their kids, I have been with them for almost 5 yrs. I told Mb because I was adjusting to new meds. I asked her to tell me if she thought I seemed moody or off.

Luckily there has been none of that.

[Anonymous]

I have a physical disability in my leg.

[Anonymous]

I have late stage Lyme disease among other tick borne illnesses. I do tell my NF that I have it but that it's dormant and doesn't get in my way even though it isn't dormant. But it rarely to never gets in my way and if I didn't tell you, you'd never know. I am in pain and fatigued but hide it well and do my job better than most well people.

[Anonymous]

I have ADD and some anxiety. I got sick years ago and had some issues from it.

I get horrible migraines but I work through them. My family knows. They are cool with it.

[Anonymous]

Wow, this is a great thread.

I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and am currently on medication for both. Because I'm on the right medications and take them exactly prescribed no one can tell. I also had my spine fused, which makes it hard for me to bend down or be the ground too long. I also can't lift heavy things and frequently have to lay down for a little while every day. I sometimes have to take pain killers in the evenings and use medical marijuana, but of course only at night in my off hours. My NF knows about all my medical issues and is completely fine with it.

[Anonymous]

OP, it'd be great if you could find a family who you could be open with and who would consider themselves fortunate to find a nanny such as yourself. I wonder if you could contact Autism resource organizations or maybe post on Autism message boards. I feel like a family who had children who have autism or are for some reason connected to the autism community might be really happy to find someone who knows so much about it.

[Anonymous]

I cannot relate in a personal level but am inspired by the support of this thread. Best of luck to you, OP!

[Anonymous]

I've worked as a nanny in the past and want to pursue it, though it's tough to find a good match with a family because I think a lot of potential employers think I seem a bit strange.

Can you practice your interviewing skills with a friend? How well you connect and can communicate with a potential nanny employer is huge. Eye contact, smiling, and reacting appropriately to questions and conversation is really important. Try not to fixate on details. I have many ASD friends and coworkers. Its very apparent once you get to know them but they have learned enough social skills to get by. They can handle casual conversation and interviews well but they are much older and have had more practice over time. The key is to realize that what just comes naturally for other people needs to be a learned behavior for you and it is harder for you. However, you have to keep working on getting it.

You really can't say I may seem strange because I has ASD because honestly that may be true OR you may actually be strange and have ASD. The employer is going to make a decision based on what you present to them regardless of why you presenting this way.

[Anonymous]

I have two auto immune diseases, and have anxiety. They rarely affect my work! Great thread!