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"Coming Out"

Trainspotter

I know it does not suit everyone to 'come out' about their autism and autistic tendencies. 

However, personally I am a great believer in letting others know of problems that I have that may offer some explanation, for their sake as much as mine.

I was diagnosed just before Christmas at the age of 62.  My behaviour and strange comments and misunderstandings, and 'losing it' have been great discussion points I'm sure among the chattering classes at work since time immoral, long before I was diagnosed.  My manager is aware of my condition (although she does not seem to understand in what way it affects me), and I have told some trusted colleagues and have got noting but support from them.

So now, as I am about to have a workplace assessment for what adjustments can be put in place, I think it is time I 'came out' about my condition.  However, I can't think that everyone will be sympathetic - to some, they will think it is some sort of excuse, a get out of jail free card, a way of avoiding certain tasks.  And I certainly don't want people to treat me as if I can't do anything by myself.  I am just the same person I ever was, however my outbursts, shouting and seemingly unacceptable behaviour at times can be explained.

I am seeking funding so a local support group can give some training to my work colleagues about autism and think this will be useful.  But I don't know whether I should have an announcement made to my colleagues beforehand or just tell someone who I know won't keep their mouth shut and just let it take its natural course. Or should I just leave it to someone else to say.

I know I have nothing to be ashamed of (and also that it is really none of anyone elses business apart from I think it will really make things easier for me in the long run, so why am I so apprehensive about all this?  After all, homosexuality was kept 'under the carpet' in the not so distant past and it is now accepted by all but ignorant bigots as something that is just a normal part of some people's lives.

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  • Kant said:

    I just asked myself the same question. What is going to happen if I "come out" as an aspie at my workplace? Any experiences welcome!

    Hi Kant,

    I will let you know what happens when I let the word out  I have several meetings with management/access to work/my local support group/my union officer over the next couple of weeks which 'should' end up with some adjustments for me if everything goes well. 

    Provided I get the funding from Access to Work, for training for the staff to cope with a colleague on the spectrum (I chose the word 'cope' by the way!) it will be then that I will let it be common knowledge.  I think the more astute of them will guess its me they are talking about anyway and a lot of them will not be surprised. 

    Just the odd one or two I think who will find it very difficult to keep their bigoted remarks to themselves. I think I will leave it to the manager to tell them though, rather than make some formal announcement myself.  And I know the office gossips who I'm sure will make sure everyone knows at lightning speed.

    I am just of the opinion that it is nothing to be ashamed of, and by letting people know it will help educate them that they shouldn't make judgements about people. Everyone has their quirks, whether they have an autism condition or not.

    I will just add that those trusted souls I have told at work (with the exception of one of the managers) have offered nothing but kind words and support.

Reply

  • Kant said:

    I just asked myself the same question. What is going to happen if I "come out" as an aspie at my workplace? Any experiences welcome!

    Hi Kant,

    I will let you know what happens when I let the word out  I have several meetings with management/access to work/my local support group/my union officer over the next couple of weeks which 'should' end up with some adjustments for me if everything goes well. 

    Provided I get the funding from Access to Work, for training for the staff to cope with a colleague on the spectrum (I chose the word 'cope' by the way!) it will be then that I will let it be common knowledge.  I think the more astute of them will guess its me they are talking about anyway and a lot of them will not be surprised. 

    Just the odd one or two I think who will find it very difficult to keep their bigoted remarks to themselves. I think I will leave it to the manager to tell them though, rather than make some formal announcement myself.  And I know the office gossips who I'm sure will make sure everyone knows at lightning speed.

    I am just of the opinion that it is nothing to be ashamed of, and by letting people know it will help educate them that they shouldn't make judgements about people. Everyone has their quirks, whether they have an autism condition or not.

    I will just add that those trusted souls I have told at work (with the exception of one of the managers) have offered nothing but kind words and support.

Children
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