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Lying about Autism at Work

Kittera

Hi,

This is the first time I write about this.

When going for my first job (as a waitress to give you an idea) the contract asked for any mental condition, I couldn't put I had autism down. It felt pointless to me to automatically put myself down as the black sheep. Nothing to do with shame but it felt that them knowing, I might react differently. It's been three months in employment and I am afraid of getting fired already because my autism is so well obvious. I've even avoided going to the dining hall because I am afraid my behaviour could scare the customers and I've been reprimanded by my boss twice due to my "rude behaviour" don't you know.

I am scared of what comes next.

The reason I am afraid to get fired is that I lied about my contract or that another unexplained incident about my behaviour could get me fired. And you can understand why I don't want to say "Hey I am autistic" as an excuse every time. I don't know what to do... when I am working, my autism and behaviour are all I can think of. 

Any advice on how to deal with this?

Parents

  • I wonder that if you plucked up courage and explained your autism, then your employer might well take this into consideration when a problem occurs.  There is more information available now than there used to be and you just might be lucky.  Better than constantly worrying about it perhaps.  I think you are brave to take on such a job and your colleagues mighjt well think so too, if you tried explaining it to them.  Good luck Kittera.

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  • I wonder that if you plucked up courage and explained your autism, then your employer might well take this into consideration when a problem occurs.  There is more information available now than there used to be and you just might be lucky.  Better than constantly worrying about it perhaps.  I think you are brave to take on such a job and your colleagues mighjt well think so too, if you tried explaining it to them.  Good luck Kittera.

Children
  • in reply to NAS84169

    To be very honest, I told 1 of my colleague because I had an anxiety attack due to where we were serving (a wedding!) She was very considerate, although I did snap at her when I got reprimanded by my boss. Wish luck with the apology note! Autism is no excuse that is my whole problem if I do explain to the employer of my condition I might unconsciously feel I can behave like I normally do and they can't say or do anything about it! 

    Them finding out is not such an issue NOW that I know there can't be legal consequences.