'Closeted' Aspies?

Going slightly off topic, I have just started a short course at a college and in the forms I had to fill in was a bit about disabilities.  Two of the tick boxes were 'Autism Spectrum Disorder' and 'Aspergers Syndrome'.

I ticked them both.  And as the course progressed it became apparent to the tutor that I was having a bit of trouble with my interpretation of some of the tasks, seeing the task aim in a different manner to what was expected.  As is usual for me I tried to laugh it off, but the tutor must have picked up on the reasons for my misunderstanding and helped me out considerably.  This had not happened before when I have attended courses.

So perhaps the message is getting through with some organisations and this college is certainly well informed on the difficulties we might face.

NAS15570 said:

A card? I haven't got a card. I know you can buy some though. 

You may be able to get a free autism alert card from your local autism society. When I got mine all I had to do was send in my diagnosis letter. I don't usually use mine though, as I don't often see people. I guess it's more for an emergency if you can't speak, your autism is questioned or you feel more comfortable with others knowing. 

NAS apparently also do an autism alert card package for £2.50. But I don't have that.

Thank you for the responses. I will put it on the health forms, but at the moment, I don't want to wave a neon banner around saying I'm on the spectrum.

If someone raises an issue with me, I will mention it; I understand you can get a card?

Hi,

I have recently been diagnosed and so have told very few people. I have disclosed to my manager at work though and they have been very understanding. I only told them to get a small part of my job that I struggle with changed and they have done exactly what I wanted. I spent a lot of time writing a letter to inform them and finding relevant information to explain what Autism is and how it effects me, as well as talking to them face to face. They freely admitted they knew nothing about Autism and I was pleased I had the information to hand to explain. I think it is important to consider what the other person knows about it when disclosing.

I would like to be very open about it, but can not just yet as I feel I am still processing the news. The people that matter to me such as family know. It seems such a big life changing thing for me, that it is difficult to appreciate that most people probably just would not care about it unless it affected them directly (such as work, friends etc.)

I agree with Tom's statment but it is entirely up to you who to tell but think through the pros and cons before doing so.

I'm on ESA in the work related group and I've found out my employment advisor is an aspie, as I said to her I may be, I've got an assessment coming next week.  

Hello

I guess that is such a personal question to answer.

In my area am fairly well known with autism because it helps me to get the help i  need in the way i need it. People aren't trying to wonder what to do best to help me.  For me, Job Centre knows too because again I am getting the support i need rather than they trying to work out what it is I need and I am not trying to tell them what I need.