When Hannelore Coeckelberghs received her autism diagnosis eight years ago, it helped her understand years of workplace challenges that had often left her feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. That diagnosis, while late, became a critical turning point.
Early Jobs and Quiet Determination
At 22, Hannelore began her first job, a temporary position, entering coordinates into a database.
“I thought it was very boring after two weeks,” she admitted, “but I succeeded to finish it after my six months.”
She didn’t realize it at the time, but her determination to complete every task, no matter how monotonous or exhausting, would become both a strength and a source of struggle in the years ahead.
A Chance Application That Lasted Nine Years
Hannelore’s next step came unexpectedly. Selected for a short-term apprenticeship in France, she realized she didn’t want to go and instead applied for a position at a major logistics company. What began as a way to avoid relocating turned into a nine-year job on the night shift.
Though the work gave her structure, it also came with an unsustainable workload.
“After five years, I did a two-man job on my own,” Hannelore shared. “I often discussed it with my supervisor, but she never listened. On the contrary, I always got more and more work and tasks to do.”
Despite her efforts to speak up, the pressure only increased.
“I always want to finish my job correctly, and I took all the work on me until I couldn’t.”
On top of the workload, certain tasks posed additional challenges due to her neurodivergence.
“Things I find hard are calling someone, I literally ran away from the phone, and also speaking in front of a group of people,” she admitted.
Yet, these difficulties were rarely acknowledged or accommodated.
Burnout, Diagnosis, and Difficult Transitions
After experiencing burnout and depression in 2018, Hannelore took a year off and ultimately decided not to return to the company. She tried several temporary tasks but found herself unable to complete them.
“It’s the period when I got diagnosed,” she recalled.
With the support of an employment services program, she began a new round of apprenticeships, starting with a placement at a company she didn’t feel comfortable in. Although she wanted to leave, her internship supervisor told her she had to stay.
After a year, the experience led to another breakdown followed by a three-month therapy program.
“My boss was always very supportive and never blamed me for this,” she said;
one of the few moments of genuine understanding in her early career.
Finding Support in Family
A major turning point came when Hannelore’s brother bought a painting company and offered her a role. She’s been there ever since.
“My brother knows about my problems and he really listens,” she said. “He always suggests solutions to change things. He listens and he respects my limits.”
It wasn’t an instant fix, Hannelore noted that “the start was not easy”, but over time, their conversations built mutual understanding.
“I’m not a great talker, so it took a long time to really say what I needed. But yeah, he listened.”
Practical Strategies for Self-Care
To make her workdays more manageable, Hannelore developed personal strategies that help her avoid overload. Rather than taking one long break, she spaces out several shorter ones throughout the day.
One of the most unique tools she uses is a visual cue tattooed on her arm:
“I tattooed limits on my arm. So I often look at it and remind myself to watch my limits and take a break when I need it.”
A Message to Employers: Listen and Respect Limits
When asked what she wishes more colleagues and managers understood about neurodivergent people, Hannelore didn’t hesitate:
“To listen and to respect limits and boundaries. Especially to listen. When someone says, ‘I can’t do this,’ don’t push it. Take it seriously.”
She emphasized that just because someone appears to manage their tasks well doesn’t mean it comes easily.
“Just because we do our job well and make it look easy, doesn’t mean it is,” she explained. “It takes a lot of energy just to live through the day, and the irresistible urge to achieve our tasks is really exhausting.”
For Hannelore, the key to sustainable work is balance:
“It’s important to find the line between challenging yourself to push the limits, but never crossing them.”
Final Reflections: Keep Speaking Up
Though speaking up hasn’t always been easy, Hannelore encourages others not to give up.
“There are always people who can help you, but you have to dare to speak. And even if they don’t listen, don’t give up,” she said. “Just remember that there’s always someone who will eventually listen.”
Before the conversation ended, Hannelore offered a heartfelt acknowledgement to the person who has made the biggest difference:
“I’d like to give a special thank you to my brother,” she said. “Because he listens the most and he has the most patience of all the people I’ve met.”