Published on 12, July, 2020
I'm considering returning to the workplace full time and would like to hear from people who have been hired since knowing that they have ASD or have declared ASD to their employer. Did you declare it during the interview process? How have any necessary adjustments in the workplace been received. Do you feel supported and accepted for your difference? I have been self-employed (leadership training) for 6 years after burning out - I can mask and 'pass' as NT but clearly it had a price for my health that I'm no longer willing to pay so I want to create a work situation that plays to my strengths yet allows some flex for ways of working so I can manage social interaction and sensory overload. Maybe you've had less-than-great experiences too? All thoughts greatly appreciated.
Sorry to hear that your experience has been so stressful Bookworm. It's useful to hear from those who have had success and those where it has been less than great - helps to inform how I might proceed. Hope that your tribunal goes well.
Crikey that does sound like a bumpy ride. I'm glad that you're now able to get some acceptance from your colleagues, we all add value in different ways right!
Thank you for sharing those resources Bagpuss7, good to hear that your employer has been so supportive.
My experience is less than great, I am going to tribunal in November after 18 months of hellish limbo land, hence the anxiety depression I will update you as this situation unfolds.
I have to say though Trainspotters experience does give hope so fingers crossed for all of us that are struggling.
This is really heartening and hopeful I will pass this on to somebody I think who could use the lift, apart from me, thanks
I am glad I declared my autism, although it was a very bumpy ride, with offers of inadequate sums of money to leave or be dismissed, grievance, grievance appeal and tribunal followed by a cot3 agreement, a sum of money which paid my mortgage in return for a non disclosure agreement, still got my job and have any number of adjustments.
Remember reasonable adjustments can be added to as their need arrives. As bagpuss says access to work can be a help, and they may pay for training of your managers and other staff as to how autism affects you and also a support worker for a session or two a month, They will also suggest other adjustments for you.
All my work colleagues know about my being autistic and it is no big deal, but it does go a long way to them understanding my somewhat strange behaviour at times.
Have been at my job for 23 years, disclosed to my boss when I was initially thinking I might have AS about 2 years ago. He's been amazing. Since my diagnosis about 15 months ago I have disclosed to about 12 coworkers. I'm not "out" to everyone, but all the people I have told have been great about it.
I made a formal request for reasonable adjustments a few months ago, quoting the Equality Act. Didn';t get absolutely everything I asked for, but did get significant things that will help in terms of routine, etc.
I'm a teacher, so I guess a school with a fair few autistic pupils SHOULD be enlightened and supportive!
Clearly as I am very established where I work I realise it's a very different situation to you seeking employment. Have you checked out things like "access to work" guidance? https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work . I also found this union guidance helpful https://www.atl.org.uk/Images/equality-disabled-education-staff-atl-guidelines.pdf