Disclosing undiagnosed Autism (& ADHD) at work

I have a formal diagnosis. 

No one has ever asked me to supply evidence. 

It depends on the Company or in my case Service, I raised a Self Referral form to the Learning and Development Team who had a meeting with me, they can't diagnose, they asked me to do a few of the tests and took the results with a request that I contact my GP to go for a formal diagnosis, but they put a work place needs assessment in place and gave me extra time on work assessments. 

I hate that I got through School, College and University and not one of them picked up anything but my workplace and colleagues did

I'd say it depends, on the people you're working with and the workplace culture, as much as anything. It can be very difficult, if your workplace is unsupportive, so careful consideration is probably wise. As others have said, diagnosis will give you legal protection against discrimination. If you decide to disclose, you may get mixed reactions from your colleagues, not always hostile, necessarily.

I was hired with the disclosure that I consider myself autistic (awaiting assessment), so my colleagues knew from Day 1. In my case, being autistic was a plus, because of the work I am doing. All the same, I meet with a variety of attitudes, including - people with religious faith who consider me judged by God (I know...); people who avoid interacting with me; people who treat me as though I'm a child, or exotic animal; people who assume I have learning difficulties... there may be more. There are, thankfully, people who interact with me as simply another colleague, with friendliness and respect. 

I have not experienced open hostility so far, although there has been some covert mockery from people who don't believe in autism- sadly they are out there. 

Ultimately, whether to disclose will be your choice, there are pros and cons, either way. 

yea. i didnt want to until it was diagnosed, but i had little choice as i was being targeted and attacked and sent to constant disciplinaries... i have disclosed it now, and im having to use it against them as im taking legal action.

it probably is wise to speak up about it, because they avoid misunderstandings and bad treatment and alot of nasty things could be avoided and theyd be more careful.

I am / was in a similar situation...

I have had to endure various physical challenges over the past couple of years and the energy consumed by living with those conditions has taken its toll including exposing my previously unknown possible ASD. Through various stages of my journey, health professionals have suggested a strong possibility of ASD and I am now on the waiting list for assessment.

When the physical symptoms started, I changed as a person and this became apparent with my interactions with colleagues at work. I ruffled a few feathers and I was probably close be to being pulled up by HR. My manager at the time was awful - thankfully there was a restructure which meant I had a new manager who I trusted much more.

I decided to share my situation with my manager and HR, and am so glad that I did as they have all been so supportive. My colleagues are aware of my situation, so don't feel offended or shocked when I go into "one". I have 1 to 1 meetings with my manager every week and openly discuss my situation. BTW, I work in IT and love logical process orientated thinking (typical Autism trait). I love my job, but can get frustrated when colleagues don't see things the same way as I do. In fact, just this week I said to my manager "I can't make John [name changed] think like an autistic person" which we both thought was quite amusing. I find that be open & honest about my situation helps both me and my manager understand my strengths & weaknesses. My manager has a better idea about what makes me tick, how I am wired, etc.

Sorry for the ramble! My suggestion would be to disclose your pending diagnosis with your manager and HR.
Yes, I appreciate that I am fortunate to have a supportive & understanding employer - I'm 100% sure that they're not all like that.

Good luck & keep us posted.

Hi there. 
Tricky one indeed…

I too have wondered if I should come out with it to my boss. I’m on the waiting list too but few it’s pretty obvious to those that have the radar for it. 
I do agree that you need to protect yourself from the mean people at work as let’s face it, people can be mean ! 
You also need the law on your side. 

Having said that, it’s almost sound like you’re in an environment that meets people with ASD and other mental health issues and are learning about them and possibly teaching in some way (?). 
So it could be that you will be in a comfortable place and accepted for speaking up. As well as getting the additional support you need from your tutors and peers. 

Have a think and possible get som professional advice first. Try ACAS, they’ll be great for it. 

I would not advise it until you can get a formal diagnosis. With a written diagnosis you will be protected under the Equality act 2010, without it you would be exposed to bullying and repercussions. 

If you do disclose before diagnosis, it might be useful to arm yourself with results from autism/ADHD tests to give some tangible substance to your conviction that you are neurodivergent.

For a hot second there I thought the "thanks in advance" was you signing your name lol.

I think if you do choose to say then just be honest, and say you are waiting for the assessments, just be careful if your employers are ableist as you won't have the legal protections under the equality act until you are actually diagnosed. Outing can be a tricky thing depending on who you disclose to and why.