Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi folks
Having had autism (strongly) and a side of ADHD show in a recent screening I’m split about whether to tell people, particularly at work.
I always thought other people were a bit boring, and that I just knew my own mind and what I liked/didn’t. Now it turns out it’s me who’s not ‘normal’.
Everything makes much more sense since the screening, but in many cases, I’ve masked this so effectively and for so long that I think many people will just doubt the screening result. Of the two people I told (by accident) when I’d done some online tests that showed autism, both their responses were a straight ‘no you aren’t.’
There are adjustments at work (opting out of social events and decreasing stimulus such heat/noise in the office) that would help, but I’m also wary of people giving me a label and that holding back my career.
What experience do others have of this situation?
Thanks for your time.
It's your choice but if it was me I wouldn't. I do work and no one knows that I'm Autistic. I've read a lot about discrimination and bullying in the workplace and knowing what people are like where I work I think that would happen, so I kept it to myself. At work I mask if I can and hide my differences and muck in with the others in conversation when asked to. Otherwise I keep my head down and get on with my work.
I agree, NT's have a condition where they are all in a heard and can be not very nice they cant seem to process anything or anyone different to them. I feel sorry for them. They have a condition and we need to help them feel comfortable. It is us that helps them and not the other way around.