My son has his autism assessment next week, but is reluctant as feels it may hold him back with employment

Hi Mattyb,

I apologise for the late reply, I haven't logged in for a long time on here!

I know you're asking about diagnosis affecting young people, but I thought it might help from my perspective as an older person.

I was diagnosed ASD at the age of 57, in 2017. It was a huge relief to find out I was on the autism spectrum, as it explained a lot of problems I've had, especially in the world of work. Although I haven't been in work since the diagnosis, I really feel that had I been, I think would have told my employer. One thing I found concurrent to the diagnosis was that my processing was/is slower than other peoples, and more than once I had disparaging comments from a line manager about this (this was long before I knew I was on the spectrum). Had I disclosed I definitely feel things would have been better for me.

Your son should certainly do what he feels is right for him, as he is the best judge of that, but as Martin said earlier, employers have to make reasonable adjustments. Employers should also be made aware of how many positives there are to employing autistic people (our eye for detail and tenacity for example). Those I have disclosed to since my diagnosis have been very helpful, and it makes a world of difference.

I'm sorry I can't be much more help, but I wish your son good luck with his assessment, and his future career. Perhaps the best thing is that when he starts on his career, he'll be more relaxed and prepared.

Good luck for the future!

Thank you Martin, much appreciated - on what you and others have said about disclosure, I wasn't aware that was the case.

A diagnosis can also be useful in employment. All employers are required by law to make 'reasonable adjustments' so that autistic employees have a level playing-field at work with their non-autistic colleagues. My daughter recently used her diagnosis as grounds for moving her desk at work. It originally backed onto an internal glass wall, which made her feel exposed and uncomfortable - dislike of being 'perceived' is a feature of autism. She now has a desk backing onto a wall and she feels more secure and less stressed.

As others have said disclosure of autistic status in a job application, or at all, to an employer is not mandatory. Once an employer has been informed they are obliged to follow the law on non-discrimination on grounds of disability, however.

Hi and thank you for your comments  x

Hi and thank you for your comments x

Hi and thank you for your comments and link x

Hi and welcome to the community.

If your son were to be diagnosed as autistic, then it would be entirely up to him whether or not to disclose that to a prospective or actual employer. There’s more information, along with some insights from other autistic people, within this article, which your son might find helpful:

NAS - Deciding whether to tell employers you are autistic

Tell him he is doing it so he can understand himself better. No-one else needs to know. 

I know someone who has had a successful career with oil companies and engine manufacturers and is a professor. His diagnosis did not seem to be an issue.

My son was the same, it is personal choice to disclose it, so he decided not to put it on his c.v and only declare it if it became an issue, he didn’t want his work colleagues treating him different, so it is his choice, and not a requirement that it is declared. We all have our reasons and work should respect this.