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question about disclosing at work

qwerty

I was wondering if anyone might have any experiences (either positive or negative) disclosing ASD to your boss/supervisor/line manager who is from the older generation?

Asperger Syndrome wasn't discovered until the mid-1900s, and wasn't really known of by most people until maybe the past 20 years or so. So it seems plausible that some people who are from an older generation might not have heard of ASD or know much about it. And because of this, it seems quite scary to tell a boss/supervisor/line manager who is in their 60s-70s that you have ASD, because it's something that didn't really exist in their time, so there's the worry that they might not believe it. I don't know if this kind of worry makes sense. I'm afraid they might just think you're not "trying hard enough" with the social stuff, rather than it's due to autism.

Parents

  • I have disclosed to my boss but not my colleagues. They have been kind of good about it! I did it because I needed some accommodations to do my job to the best of my ability and some (flexible working) have been put in place which has been extremely useful. On the other hand they definately still don’t get it! I have been trying to explain that I struggle with change and uncertainty and what would help in terms of communication. Ie a bit of warning, specific information as to what’s happening and what I need to do (if it’s a new or changing role) in writing. So far I’m being ignored-I’m working on it!

Reply

  • I have disclosed to my boss but not my colleagues. They have been kind of good about it! I did it because I needed some accommodations to do my job to the best of my ability and some (flexible working) have been put in place which has been extremely useful. On the other hand they definately still don’t get it! I have been trying to explain that I struggle with change and uncertainty and what would help in terms of communication. Ie a bit of warning, specific information as to what’s happening and what I need to do (if it’s a new or changing role) in writing. So far I’m being ignored-I’m working on it!

Children
  • in reply to Zomted

    Yes, that's kind of what I have been thinking as well (to just tell my supervisors and not irrelevant colleagues). I would like my some help at work.... but I guess I'm just scared. I have a lot of trouble dealing with change. And since I haven't said anything in the past few years, suddenly saying it now would mean a change in my knowledge of what they know. And there might be changes to how people respond, and the change and uncertainties are quite scary. Good luck with continuing asking for accommodations! I have had many experiences of being ignored, and I think keep working on it and reminding people is often needed to move forward.