Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, everyone!
I am new to the community and was wondering if anyone else has had this same issue:
I am currently 27 and was recently diagnosed with autism last September.
I have been in the Graphic Design industry for 5 years now and I have been looking for a new job since the new year due to losing my previous one.
I currently have a little part time job but with the circumstances around Covid-19 there are little to no new jobs available.
When I was looking / applying / getting interviews etc, I didn't always put autism in the "disability" section unless that company is a well known / big brand because I was too scared I would put employers off as being "defective".
However, if I was to get another interview in the future, is it worth mentioning?
What do people think of this? Does it just come down to the employer themselves?
Thank you in advance!
Jobs I've been given when I have NOT mentioned autism at interview: Every job I've ever had.
Jobs I've been given when I have mentioned it: None ever.
I no longer mention it.
Apologies for joining this one late - I had a few issues registering.
My advice would be not to say until AFTER you have secured a job. (And perhaps completed any probationary period.)
At that point it may well be wise to tell your employer in confidence and stress that this should be kept confidential if you wish.
The reason for this is to try and make sure that an employer does not use the way that your autism might manifest itself as grounds for dismissal. If they do not know, then they can use that as defense at an industrial tribunal.
Remember that it is ILLEGAL to dismiss a person on grounds of disability.
I would also recommend joining a Trade Union. No matter what your political leanings, they are the organizations best placed for dealing with employment problems. Consider it as "employment insurance" if you wish. You insure your car, your home, your pets, so why not your source of income?
Hope this helps.
Maaarrghk said:My advice would be not to say until AFTER you have secured a job. (And perhaps completed any probationary period.)
Absolutely, I completely agree.
It does depend on how good you are at masking it at the interview. If you can perform well at interviews, the best time to disclose is after the probationary period and even then it depends whether you need reasonable adjustments that you would otherwise not get and can't function without. Most of adjustments employers accept without a fight are also available to all employees, like earphones etc.
However if they will spot that you are autistic at the interview, ir might be worth asking for reasonable adjustments at interview. It is a risk and you need to weigh the pro and cons.