• Replies 7 replies
  • Subscribers 79 subscribers
  • Views 1595 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Has anyone declared *undiagnosed* Aspergers/Autism to their employer?

richardsw16

Just wondering if anyone has declared Aspergers/Autism to their employer *without* having an official diagnosis.

I've started the diagnosis route for Aspergers (age 50), but no idea how long this will take. I have a pretty understanding line manager who appears to know something about Autism. But without a diagnosis, I'm not sure if declaring possible AS would actually help.

Would appreciate thoughts from anyone who has been through this, or thought about it.

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    My experience is that disclosure often leads to bafflement, it is rare to come across someone with a diagnosis. My managers didn't know what to do in response, they kept asking me and I didn't know either! My friends/colleagues at my previous job were very good and I didn't lose them when I told them. The managers didn't grasp the opportunity to change things and relations had sunk too low for it to be retrieved. It will depend on various things - how open minded/well educated thay are and any previous experience in their family etc. 

    A diagnosis gives some extra protection - the equality act can be invoked and "reasonable adjustments" can be requested. My current employers became aware when they put me through a pre-employment medical. They are being quite reasonable but I'm not sure I'm in the right job or handling it myself very well yet.

Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    My experience is that disclosure often leads to bafflement, it is rare to come across someone with a diagnosis. My managers didn't know what to do in response, they kept asking me and I didn't know either! My friends/colleagues at my previous job were very good and I didn't lose them when I told them. The managers didn't grasp the opportunity to change things and relations had sunk too low for it to be retrieved. It will depend on various things - how open minded/well educated thay are and any previous experience in their family etc. 

    A diagnosis gives some extra protection - the equality act can be invoked and "reasonable adjustments" can be requested. My current employers became aware when they put me through a pre-employment medical. They are being quite reasonable but I'm not sure I'm in the right job or handling it myself very well yet.

Children
No Data