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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.

Parents

  • StephenHarris said:

    I do wonder if people, considering my behaviour - namely my very odd sense of humour (I often pretend not to get a reference or a joke) - may have guessed anyway.

    I think more astute people with an experience of such things can have a good idea.

    After my diagnosis in December, I was referred to Occupational Health at work by my manager, who does not appear to understand about the autism spectrum condition at all.  All she is interested in is the job role and how I can fulfil my 'full duties'.

    Despite my earlier experiences with Occupational Health, this time I must say it was very much more positive.  Even though I had my diagnosis, the doctor said I was so affected with autistic tendencies that he would have thought that was the problem even without a diagnosis.  And at last I thought someone with some authority at work was listening to me.

    I am telling more people at work every day, sooner or later I will tell someone who cannot keep their mouth shut.  But when I have my autism support in the workplace I have decided that at that point I will let them let everyone know.

    And at that point I have a feeling that I will have found some sort of inner peace.

Reply

  • StephenHarris said:

    I do wonder if people, considering my behaviour - namely my very odd sense of humour (I often pretend not to get a reference or a joke) - may have guessed anyway.

    I think more astute people with an experience of such things can have a good idea.

    After my diagnosis in December, I was referred to Occupational Health at work by my manager, who does not appear to understand about the autism spectrum condition at all.  All she is interested in is the job role and how I can fulfil my 'full duties'.

    Despite my earlier experiences with Occupational Health, this time I must say it was very much more positive.  Even though I had my diagnosis, the doctor said I was so affected with autistic tendencies that he would have thought that was the problem even without a diagnosis.  And at last I thought someone with some authority at work was listening to me.

    I am telling more people at work every day, sooner or later I will tell someone who cannot keep their mouth shut.  But when I have my autism support in the workplace I have decided that at that point I will let them let everyone know.

    And at that point I have a feeling that I will have found some sort of inner peace.

Children
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