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.
I will put forwards I am not confirmed autistic (though as time as gone and certain situations have occurred I am questioning things a bit), my mother is so I do try to have some understanding in the least, I can never claim it though.
You mentioned career progression, it could halt career progression, however it depends on your current manager, if they are a decent sort and you're good at your tasks I'd argue it could be fairly beneficial for you to tell them at least.
I'll list the depending outcomes on if you tell your manager at least. (from my perspective)
1.You do tell your manager, it halts your career, at the least you know where you stand, in this environment.
2.You do tell your manager, they take this into account and are supportive, in this situation it could be beneficial, because in terms of career advancement they can bare you in mind in terms of guiding you into a better fit, or warning (not telling you that you cant) you of possible things that you would have to deal with on a regular basis, potentially with little support.
3.You don't tell them, if your mask is very strong, they may genuinely believe that a particular advancement is good for you and encourage you to pursue it, however depending on the potential new environment or new activities and external things you would have to deal with, you could end up in a situation of burn out. (I am not trying to say that would happen to you but I know that it can happen, to anyone really)
That's all I can really add to this, just things to consider which probably aren't too helpful, as far as telling other colleagues I would be a lot more guarded on that, when it comes to "peer" level colleagues unfortunately a "clique" like nature can form and you can get some unsavoury types if they see you as "other".
If some of them have entered the realms of interacting with you in a more friendly basis outside of work, those people would probably be worth telling. That's all I've got to add to this.
Either way I hope you come to a decision that works for you NAS80808.