Lying about Autism at Work

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
  • Good evening, 

    I have recently disclosed my diagnosis at work, but only with the personnel team. They have told me that the information stays with them, they will not share it with anyone without my consent, not even to my line manager. 

    Disclosing this way means that work have to make reasonable adjustments to cater for my traits, but spares me from “workplace tittle-tattle”. 
    It’s working out so far. 

Reply
  • Good evening, 

    I have recently disclosed my diagnosis at work, but only with the personnel team. They have told me that the information stays with them, they will not share it with anyone without my consent, not even to my line manager. 

    Disclosing this way means that work have to make reasonable adjustments to cater for my traits, but spares me from “workplace tittle-tattle”. 
    It’s working out so far. 

Children