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First post - whether to 'come out' at work

Exhibit A
over 3 years ago

Hello all

very glad to have found this forum which appears to be one of the more active ones. 

My formal diagnosis has just come through after a multi year wait for the assessment. What a time to find our you're Autistic!

Can people help me work out a list of pros and cons for telling my employer that I am autistic? It is a public sector org which is all about diversity and inclusion these days. I am in senior management. In the past I have witnessed lots of autism discrimination. I can't help fearing:

1. judgement of coworkers who think it's playing some kind of special treatment card

2. having to take ignorant comments and not get into loads of conflicts

3. having my capability as a manager and team leader called in to question if I ask for new kinds of support 

Many thanks

Parents
  • over 3 years ago

    Welcome to the forum :) Firstly I agree with everyone else that it's probably better to wait for things to settle down before making a decision.

    I'm also in a public sector organisation, though think my organisation is genuine about its commitment to diversity and inclusion, at least at the highest levels of management. Though I've heard of quite different experiences in different public sector organisations. I likely would be open about it though still waiting for assessment, but I'm already open about being queer at work, so already am used to dealing with ignorant comments.

    In terms of cons, I'm not sure I can add to the list you have already. Might be helpful to think of how you might deal with them and if there's any colleagues or HR who would back you up if there were difficulties.

    For pros, being able to ask for adjustments,  not feeling the need to mask as much, and having an explanation for my oddities

Reply
  • over 3 years ago

    Welcome to the forum :) Firstly I agree with everyone else that it's probably better to wait for things to settle down before making a decision.

    I'm also in a public sector organisation, though think my organisation is genuine about its commitment to diversity and inclusion, at least at the highest levels of management. Though I've heard of quite different experiences in different public sector organisations. I likely would be open about it though still waiting for assessment, but I'm already open about being queer at work, so already am used to dealing with ignorant comments.

    In terms of cons, I'm not sure I can add to the list you have already. Might be helpful to think of how you might deal with them and if there's any colleagues or HR who would back you up if there were difficulties.

    For pros, being able to ask for adjustments,  not feeling the need to mask as much, and having an explanation for my oddities

Children
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