Should I tell work about my autism?

Travelman said:

I've recently been diagnosed with autism and learning difficulties.  I work full time and find work challenging sometimes.  Should I tell work about my diagnosis or would they stop giving me work (I'm employed on a self-employed basis).

This is a difficult one, as while there is nothing to be ashamed of having and declaring you have autism and learning difficulties, sadly at least some employers are prejudicial to anyone who is disabled, regardless of the disability.  I experienced this once during a job interview where they were obsessed with always having the lighting on, regardless of their legal obligation to "make reasonable adjustments", which they were unwilling to do. 

Their excuse for turning me down was because they were inundated with job applications, but the real reason (which they weren't prepared to admit) was that they turned me down because they wanted neon lighting on in the room I would have worked, regardless of their legal and moral obligations, and they called themselves a 'Care' home! :O

On a positive note, as you are already in work, unlike in interviews, they can't dismiss you on Disability grounds. :)  You are a very important part of the team and will hopefully continue to be accepted for who you are. 

Travelman said:

I've recently been diagnosed with autism and learning difficulties.  I work full time and find work challenging sometimes.  Should I tell work about my diagnosis or would they stop giving me work (I'm employed on a self-employed basis).

This is a difficult one, as while there is nothing to be ashamed of having and declaring you have autism and learning difficulties, sadly at least some employers are prejudicial to anyone who is disabled, regardless of the disability.  I experienced this once during a job interview where they were obsessed with always having the lighting on, regardless of their legal obligation to "make reasonable adjustments", which they were unwilling to do. 

Their excuse for turning me down was because they were inundated with job applications, but the real reason (which they weren't prepared to admit) was that they turned me down because they wanted neon lighting on in the room I would have worked, regardless of their legal and moral obligations, and they called themselves a 'Care' home! :O

On a positive note, as you are already in work, unlike in interviews, they can't dismiss you on Disability grounds. :)  You are a very important part of the team and will hopefully continue to be accepted for who you are.