Help! How do I tell my manager i have autism?

Hi Sam H,

Thank you for sharing this with the community. You might like to take a look at some of the NAS advice and guidance on how to get support at work:

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment/support-at-work

I hope this helps,

ChloeMod

nice contribution

It can be difficult 'coming out' about being autistic to anyone.  Of course, you needn't actually say anything, but if you want adjustments even of a minor sort, you would need to say why.

Just by telling your employer doesn't mean everyone has to know, but if adjustments are granted your fellow employees might think you are getting special treatment which would make you feel awkward. 

I think the suggestion to go above your manager to HR is a good one.  But you could request a confidential meeting with your manager, taking a colleague with you if you are comfortable with that.  Remember being autistic does not mean you cannot do your job, merely that some adjustments may be necessary and some flexibility should be put in place to negate any adverse effects autism has on you.  You should state how you are affected and what you would like to be done in accordance with the equality act.  Access to work may provide you with some help in knowing what adjustments may be necessary and provide funding, although most adjustments will cost nothing ( for example a desk in a quieter area, and away from strong kitchen smells, and to have changes properly discussed with you to avoid meltdowns)

You should not be discriminated against because of your autism, this is illegal.

Hope it all goes well

u fear correctly 

turn it around

have some suggestions on how they can make things better for you 

eg having a HR contact to act as mentor

ways to make your environment easier for u  eg tinted glasses , bigger monitor, headphones , extra breaks, laptop, tablet

make list of what you are really good at and ask for more of that work

if you are full time maybe drop down to part time for period until thing start to run more smoothly 

The National Autistic Society offers support to people across the UK who are interested in employment, looking for a job or those who are already in work. Call NAS for more information on 0845 070 4004. There is also an employment service called Prospects in London, Manchester and Glasgow.

There is support out their to help people bridge the gap in explaining and disclosing an autism diagnosis to a current employer. You can contact the national autism societies general enquiry line to see if it is possible for them to signpost you to an organisation or get in contact with with your local autism ambassador. which can not only explain autism and answer your employer questions they might have but also help arrange reasonable adaption in the workplace to improve your performance so you do not have to go through the stress of explaining autism in general and how it affects yourself.

I just emailed mine.

What probably made it easier is the old manager left so she was new into the team. She's not based in the same building as me so that helped. It didn't really affect how she treated me. 

I attached some of the information for employers from the NAS to the email which she said was helpful.