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 personally have had a mix of interested and supportive reactions through to some uninterested where it was never mentioned again. It was a bit of a journey learning of a way that I was comfortable disclosing my diagnosis but I’ve found just saying it during a conversation (if I end up in one) to someone I’m comfortable telling and then leaving it up to them if they ask questions or not. Early on I feel like I gave to much detail and was potentially quite intense, but now, if it seems appropriate, I just say what I have to say and leave it at that. I welcome questions if people have them, but also recognise that people might not either. From my perspective I’m also realising more and more who I’m happy telling, and equally who I’m not happy telling. The later I don’t disclose to now, again down to experiencing the range of reactions I’ve had (non of which were overly negative in fairness- unless I missed those cues!)