To disclose or not?
Whether or not to be open about your autism at work is a personal choice. There's no right or wrong — only what works for you.
This is your choice
Nobody can force you to share your diagnosis. It's a decision that depends on your situation, your employer, and what you need. Both choices are valid.
Considerations
Reasons to disclose
- You can ask for accommodations you actually need
- Less energy spent on hiding and explaining
- Colleagues better understand why you do things differently
- You don't have to act or make excuses anymore
- You can truly be yourself at work
Reasons not to disclose (yet)
- You don't know how your employer will react
- Fear of stigma or being treated differently
- You're not yet sure about your diagnosis
- The work culture doesn't feel safe enough
- You want to get to know the atmosphere first
If you decide to disclose
1
Choosing the timing
- • Choose a calm moment, not in the middle of a deadline
- • Do it 1-on-1 with your manager, not in a group
- • You don't have to tell everything at once
- • Start with what you need, not with a diagnosis label
2
How you can say it
- "I've noticed that I work best when..."
- "I've discovered that I'm autistic, and for me that means..."
- "I work differently than most people, and it helps when..."
- "There are a few things that help me function well..."
3
What you don't have to do
- • You don't have to explain everything about autism
- • You don't have to provide 'proof'
- • You don't have to tell everyone
- • You don't have to justify your needs
What's next?
Once you've disclosed, you may want to discuss accommodations. See how to approach that conversation.
Asking for accommodations