How to disclose at work.

Thank you ️

they sound understanding so I think ur be ok disclosing to them. It will probably be a huge weight of your mind to when u say. 

askin ur manager to proof read isn't silly. If it held u then that's all that matters.

Thank you, this is really helpful. I am making notes so that I can practice what I want to say so I'll add what you've said to that.

Rather than trying to "explain yourself", I would keep it as simple as possible - mainly for their (NT) sakes, but also to ensure that you get what you need.

You don't want this "disclosure" to become all about you and your mind (in my opinion) because that would complicate and confuse the matter at hand?

The matter at hand is very simple (from my understanding of what you have written) ie;

- - -

I am autistic and would be grateful if the following adjustments could be made for my comfort because I am finding existing arrangements unnecessarily burdensome to my studies and education;

1. Less noise.

2. Different light.

3. Stable/unchanging surroundings.

I would be grateful if we could try and find some mutually acceptable solutions for my challenges.

- - -

That is how I would set about this matter Rai....but then again, I am simply Number!

Good luck.

This is awesome, thank you. You're right and it really helps.

Thank you!

I really hope they just take on board what I say and just carry on. I think I'm going to write it down - for a language teacher, I'm not very good at explaining thing haha 

Thank you Joe! The organisation is likely to be supportive and there have been a few miscommunications that could have been avoided by people saying what they mean. I'm also part of the research team to do with the project so I am there for a year minimum so I really need something's in place. For example the project space was moved without notice and I did not cope well - especially when I was told that I needed to stay in that room (I kept needing to escape the noise, people and lighting lol). 

The other person from the uni who works with me is aware of the autism, but not how it affects me as I always brush it off. I'm thinking I should have a conversation with him and then work out how to speak to the organisation staff themselves. 

I'm sure it will go well. I'm just really paranoid. I think they have an idea anyway I just need to get it out so I can stop the should I shouldn't I thing that going on in my head.

Thank you for your advice!

I would suggest sending an email to your manager to ask for a meeting to discuss your upcoming assignment and how it relates to your disability.

I think it's good to have a scheduled point to discuss it, as it makes it much easier to have the conversation, and it gives the manager a chance to respond, knowing that it will be a disability conversation so they need to take it seriously. 

It also means that you frame it within the context of self assessment etc then it's coming from a positive, constructive place.

I think if you just  disclose by showing the assignment, it kind of puts people reading at a disadvantage and they might get defensive. Plus if you disclose first, there might be parts of that you might want to include in the self assessment. 

Just my thoughts, I hope it helps.

It sounds like the type of organisation that should be understanding and supportive.  I told people at my work starting with my manager, then close colleagues, last week I went the whole shebang and just posted a blog.  I'm not trying to make it a thing, I just want everyone to know rather than have that "do I tell them, do I not" feeling. Appreciate that isn't for everyone.

You mention about struggling with the environment - are there things that your manager could do to help make it easier for you?  If so, I'd be tempted to start by telling them, if they're any good then hopefully, they should ask what they can do to support you.  The other consideration possibly, is that it's a placement, so it's not forever, but you want to get the best out of it.  I don't know if your college/uni know, but if they do and the people did react badly, then they should look to place you somewhere else where people are more supportive.

Fingers crossed it all goes well for you.

Rai said:

How do I get over the feeling of defeat relating to disclosure?

Rai, I don't doubt that you're regularly showing these people that you're talented and intelligent; this alone will make it harder for them to fall into the clichéd thinking which usually patronises autists.

Thank you Pookie, this is my worry. The organisation I work for is an LGBTQ+ inclusive church and community hub so I think I'll be ok. I just don't know who to disclose to because I am kind of (in my head) admitting a weakness and inability to cope with things that I should be (this was embedded during my marriage). 

I thought that maybe I could ask my manager to proof read my assignment then I might not have to have a conversation, but this seems silly. Arghhh why is this so difficult lol

Im still at school but i think disclosure will be a big step 4 u. If you decide to then it needs to be to someone you trust someone who wont abuse this and treat u differently. I disclosed at school and it was horrible got treated real badly and it lasted a long time

I hope u have more success if u decide to