"Dá medo é de ser descoberto!": Vivências de prazer e sofrimento no trabalho de trabalhadores neurodivergentes

Abstract

Work has a significant place in the reality of individuals and understanding the experience of neurodivergent workers is still very challenging as it is a subject that is still little explored. This study aims to understand what the experiences of pleasure and suffering of neuroatypical workers have been like in their work environments. The theories used deal with the psychodynamics of work and neurodivergence. Through a qualitative approach and data collection carried out through narrative interviews, twenty individuals with a medical or psychoanalytic diagnosis of neurodivergence, listed here under the accolades of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Tourette's, participated in this study. Brazilians, with higher civil age and proven work experience. The findings of this study open up space for conversation about neurodivergence at work and the challenges encountered in the constant need to adapt to the environment, the burden on their mental health, the fear of being discovered and stereotype. At the same time, this study highlights the power of recognition in the performance of neurodivergent people, their good development in challenging activities and, when well-integrated, the potential of their characteristics as competitive advantages.