Published on 12, July, 2020
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.
Hello :)
I didn't set out to disclose at work but had a meltdown/extreme reaction to an unclear situation and walked out leading to questions. I work in a school and felt I had to explain my behaviour to the head of school so told her I was waiting to be assessed for asd. She took it very well and the timing was perfect because I needed a few mornings off for the assessment process. I got my diagnosis last week and I think it provides them with an explanation as to why I may sometimes come across uncertain or awkward. Yesterday I was unsure how to react in a scenario and it was because I'd never been in that situation before, which they understood and gave me some guidance to follow. Only the head and deputy know and I am not ready for it to be widely known but it has been a positive experience so far!
Hi raspberry. Thanks for responding to my post!Yeah, it does sound like a very positive experience! I agree it was also very good timing! I'm happy for you that they responded well and were very supportive.
I hadn't been as brave to disclose before a formal diagnosis. I had a meltdown a few months ago, it was really just me crying to myself, but somehow they interpreted that it was directed towards the people around me. I still haven't disclosed, as it seems a bit post hoc...
Thanks for sharing your experience and bravery. I hope if I do disclose one day, the experience will be as positive as yours.
Perhaps I spoke too soon! I work in a school and have been quite happy with a certain year but today was told that as of tomorrow I will be going into a different year. Cue panic and a meltdown which the head seemed to think I was over reacting about ahhh :( I truly wish I wasn't this way, I feel such a nuisance and misunderstood.
Ive mostly adjusted to the change now but no, I don’t think they have any regard for my diagnosis or what it really looks like in practise. Maybe I should give them a copy of the diagnosis to remind them ;)
I’m just hoping I’m not moved again in September, I’ve even been moved across school sites before!
Sorry to interrupt. Can they really move you at such short notice?
I only ask because I was moved in my job, not education, It was 6 years ago and I had only been in post 3 weeks, I was basically told, you move or find another job! Thats the NHS for you the 'caring' profession, caring my Ar**.
I feel your pain. Maybe get the union involved?