Navigating Disclosure: Should You Inform Your Employer About Being Autistic?
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Understanding Your Autism Diagnosis
Realizing that you are autistic, whether through a formal diagnosis or self-identification, can be transformative. It often clarifies challenges faced throughout life. It's essential to recognize that being autistic simply means our brains function differently.
Once you've acknowledged your autism, the next step is figuring out whom to inform and how to approach the subject. Ideally, many will have empathetic friends and family with whom sharing this information is straightforward, though this is not universally true. The more complicated issue arises when considering whether to disclose your autism status to your current or potential employer.
It's unfortunate that such a decision is even necessary. An inclusive society would allow individuals to express their true selves freely. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go. Ultimately, disclosing autism to an employer is a personal decision influenced by various factors.
Benefits of Disclosing Your Autism
One significant advantage of informing your employer about your autism is that it can facilitate necessary accommodations that enhance your work performance. In several countries, autism is legally recognized as a disability, which entitles individuals to support, even if diagnosed informally. For instance, if you require sensory accommodations or prefer written instructions in addition to verbal ones, revealing your diagnosis may be beneficial. While a compassionate employer would assist regardless of legal requirements, a less understanding organization might respond better to the legal framework.
Furthermore, sharing your diagnosis can foster greater understanding among your employer and colleagues. Everyone has distinct preferences that can range from minor quirks to significant irritations. For example, I once worked for a manager who would become irate over minor grammatical errors. You can imagine how we reacted to that!
Communicating your autism status can prompt discussions about your challenges and unique strengths. Just as it would be helpful for your employer to know about your skills, such as being a certified accountant or fluent in another language, informing them about your autism can lead to tailored support that leverages your strengths.
For many, autism is a core aspect of their identity. Whenever I transition to a new team, I make it a point to share this information early on, as I believe it's vital for my colleagues to understand my communication preferences and work style. In my experience, the responses have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing admiration for my openness. While I don't perceive it as an act of bravery, if it encourages understanding, then it serves a valuable purpose.
Disclosing your autism can also help you connect with other neurodivergent colleagues. This connection has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my diagnosis, as I discovered a community of individuals who share similar experiences. Identifying fellow autistic individuals at work can facilitate accommodations, promote education, and foster mutual support.
Challenges of Disclosure
Despite the potential benefits, several challenges accompany the decision to disclose your autism.
Statistics reveal a troubling reality: nearly 80% of autistic adults in the UK are unemployed. The reasons behind this are complex, but discrimination plays a significant role. Many people hold misconceptions about autism, often confusing it with learning disabilities or mistakenly associating it with childlike behaviors, such as tantrums. Sadly, this ignorance can lead to the belief that autistic employees are problematic.
While discrimination is illegal, proving it can be difficult. The subjective nature of hiring and promotion decisions allows for justifications that can mask underlying prejudices. Therefore, it's understandable why many individuals hesitate to disclose their autism status at work or during job applications. Individual colleagues or managers may not be as receptive, even if the organization as a whole promotes inclusivity.
Prejudice may also surface during the hiring process. I've experienced instances where I indicated my disability status on job applications, only to see my scores decline despite meeting the necessary criteria. It quickly became clear that if my application was strong enough to warrant an interview under the "guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants" policy, I likely would have received an interview without revealing my disability status.
Although progress is being made, such occurrences remain common, even among organizations that proclaim their commitment to diversity. We can never predict how others will react to our disclosure, and if a supervisor or hiring manager harbors negative biases, it could create significant challenges.
The Role of Allies
Often, it can be beneficial to confide in a few trusted colleagues before making a broader disclosure. When I received my diagnosis, I first shared it with my incredibly supportive manager, who then assisted me in communicating with others. He even informed higher-ups on my behalf. Allies can help navigate the disclosure process and predict possible reactions from others. Having support from colleagues can ease the anxiety surrounding disclosure.
Allies also play a crucial role in understanding autism, listening to autistic colleagues, and confronting prejudice when it arises. They can exemplify acceptance by accommodating the needs of autistic individuals in the workplace. Most importantly, being a genuine friend who embraces you as you are can be transformative.
To Disclose or Not to Disclose
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to whether you should disclose your autism. The right choice depends entirely on your personal circumstances. I wish I could assure you that being open is always the best route, but we are not there yet.
I am grateful that I chose to share my diagnosis at work. Had I attempted to fit in with others, it would have taken a toll on my mental health. While my journey has not been without its challenges, I've found it significantly easier to be open and educate others rather than pretending to be neurotypical. Despite encountering some prejudice, the majority of reactions have been respectful, supportive, and curious.
The advantages of disclosing your autism to an employer are considerable, and it is worth considering if you believe you can do so without facing discrimination. Ultimately, only you can assess what is likely in your situation and determine the best course of action.
I am optimistic that things are improving and will continue to do so. This optimism is not based on blind faith in humanity, but rather on the recognition that many autistic individuals possess valuable strengths that can benefit employers. Skills such as pattern recognition, problem-solving, creativity, and specialized knowledge make autistic individuals increasingly desirable in the workforce.
These strengths will contribute to the necessary changes in workplace culture, which should occur simply because it's the right thing to do. Yet, if progress is to be made, it cannot come soon enough.