Published on 12, July, 2020
I was hoping I could ask for some advice.
I have been working in my new job since mid-April and have noticed that my work mates have become more and more frosty with me. On Friday, I told one of my colleagues about me having bipolar and she admitted that that could explain a lot about how I behave. She told me that I have come across as stand offish and as if I think I am better than everyone else. The thing is. It is not so much low mood and irritability that is the cause of this appearance. It is my autism.
I did not put down my autism on my job application or occupational health assessment.
I have a three month meeting with my line manager this Wednesday. And I wondered what advice you would give about being totally open about what is going on. Pretending that it is my bipolar that is causing the problems. Or what?
Many thanks.
I might be wrong but the question was should you disclose to your employer. At this point in time time I would say think very carefully and use what you know about your employer to formulate your decision.
As far as I am aware there is no need to disclose under law but if you think you might need some reasonable adjustments, then it might be a good idea to disclose to your manager . Do not give them permission to disclose or 'out' your autism.
I find myself conflicted as I thought everything would be great if I disclosed and got my adjustments. In reality I am now being actively redeployed to god knows what and told I am incapable of doing my role (nearly 10 years) in a career span of 30 years with the same employer. I'm gutted!
Do some reading of the equality act guidance from the EHRC as I suspect you will have to know your rights in order to get them.
There may be better employers out there unlike mine. I can only give you my lived experience so far.
That’s appalling to hear Mr T - you’ve been in the role for 10 years and just because you’ve recently asked for a few adjustments they’re sidelining you. There needs to be more training for NT managers about working with ND colleagues. So much misguided thinking out there.