Admitting you have AS or hiding it?

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kathleenf
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29 May 2008, 10:24 am

I'm an "authority" in my field, known internationally. In some ways that's good and bad. Good because I'm in a position to advise that they hire people like me (I say to never hire a draftsman who lacks AS traits, the more the better). I am "out" btw, it hurt me financially for awhile but no one seems to care these days. Being an "authority" is also bad too because people don't correct me in my behaviors. I have to be self-monitoring that I don't dominate conversations because people will let me step all over them and I can't always remember to be mindful. I'm sure some people may find me rude but they don't say anything :(. I think I forget to say good-bye most of the time.


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Zonder
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29 May 2008, 3:17 pm

kathleenf wrote:
I'm an "authority" in my field, known internationally. In some ways that's good and bad. Good because I'm in a position to advise that they hire people like me (I say to never hire a draftsman who lacks AS traits, the more the better). I am "out" btw, it hurt me financially for awhile but no one seems to care these days. Being an "authority" is also bad too because people don't correct me in my behaviors. I have to be self-monitoring that I don't dominate conversations because people will let me step all over them and I can't always remember to be mindful. I'm sure some people may find me rude but they don't say anything :(. I think I forget to say good-bye most of the time.


I'm somewhat of an authority in my field, too, and haven't been evaluated yet so won't announce anything until that happens. I can relate to the self-monitoring. I probably go too far in that direction and rarely talk about my expertise, so therefore some are very surprised when they see my résumé.

Z



Krickey
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29 May 2008, 8:07 pm

I'm debating telling my co-workers that I might have AS, but since I have no diagnosis, I don't know if it would be a good idea. The doctors told my mother I'd be ret*d while I was still in the womb, maybe I should just tell them that.

If they ask you if there is something wrong with you, would it be a better idea to tell them then, or still hide it I wonder?



ebec11
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29 May 2008, 8:54 pm

Well, I have, but it's kinda hard not to when my mom comes with me...



tailfins1959
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30 May 2008, 6:06 am

My boss is razor sharp corporate savvy and tough as nails; people fear her. My Aspie traits had me on thin ice awhile back. I took a big risk and told her. At first she over compensated, treating me like a ret*d. Then she was sympathetic. I told her I was going to psychologist appointments because of this. I had a little conference with her yesterday and she said, "I have people who are bi-polar, depressed, kids on drugs, PMDD, etc. So tell me, what exactly unusual are you telling me? If you need my help where your judgment fails you, I'm here. Just don't make a big deal out of this."

I think framing this as something normal was the best thing she could have done. She's willing to spend time and make allowances on exactly the symptoms of Aspergers but nothing more (i.e. don't even think of using it as an excuse). What that means is if I mess up at a meeting, she'll make accommodations. If I mess up something technical, don't even mention Aspergers unless I want an angry boss.


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