20/06/2026
I was visiting a potential new clients garden around a couple of months ago. I was talking to her about my autism and some of the different challenges and ways with which it affects me, one of these things in particular being eye contact.
In her response she then proceeded to ask me if I would prefer it if she also didn’t make eye contact with me. I said no it is okay.
Reflecting on this afterwards though this was very cringe and a red flag because this kind of a question is essentially meaning that it is a choice whether to make eye contact or not, which for someone who is Autistic or neurodivergent, isn’t.
Whenever I am working in a clients garden or if I am potentially going to work in a new clients garden for the first time I need to feel that it is a safe space for me and that I am supported. If I don’t then it doesn’t work and I will withdraw.
