Should I check "disabled" on my application form?

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In Canada, government job applications ask if you are a visible minority (no) and if you have a disability. Can I or rather Should I put down that I'm disabled? I have mild Aspergers and can get a psychologist letter if needed. I don't want to be mistreated at work because I'm naive which is my past experience.

Then again, most people don't know what Aspergers is and this will work against me. Maybe I should just avoid this category?

Thanks.

I've tried both putting it on there and omitting it. Neither gets me the job, so I guess I'm just a sh***y applicant, AS or not.

this is a good question. i've always wondered myself. this applies to more than just government jobs too.

If AS is a legally-defined disability in your state, province, or country, then you could put it on the app, if you choose to.

But if AS is not a legally defined disability where you live, then putting it down may cause trouble for you (i.e., you don't get the job).

Only if you feel you are disabled.

Asperger's has never prevented me from getting and/or keeping the job.

exactly. it just makes us "weird".

I don't think I'm disabled...I've held jobs in the past, but I had no choice but to apply for SSDI and say that I'm disabled on applications forms in the hopes that will get me the job (i.e. employers needing to fill quotas). Admittedly, the latter's not working.

Tends to mean I'll get an interview... just not the job . Glad I'm filling someone's quota.

it will if you have certain sensory issues associated with it. it depends on the value of your skills vs how much they want to bother accommodating you.

If you don't feel disabled and are otherwise capable, don't.

Okay, since no one will answer my question, I'll ask it again: what if filling a disability quota is the only way you can get a job?

How would you know if there is one in place?

Admittedly, I'd probably take it and see what happens. I wouldn't be happy about it though.

Personally I would, but that's not necessarily what others should do.

1. In my state all Autism Spectrum Disorders can be counted it looks like.
2. My Asperger's has made it more difficult to find a job.
3. I will likely need accommodations for any job I get in order to deal with my sensory issues.

I think for me the question mostly comes down to that last one - are there any accommodations that you would be wanting? If yes, then check the box (assuming wherever you are counts you as having something which can be counted), if no, then don't.

That's roughly about right.

What if you haven't been diagnosed with AS? Can you even check the disabilities box even if you suspect you may have it?

When I just thought I had ADHD I told an interviewer that I had it. He hired me he was one of the bosses he later admitted to me he would rather have someone who was learning disabled than hire another black person because accroding to him they are always late, just do enough not to get fired, and do sloppy work. I was shocked but I kept my mouth shut because I needed the job. I was fired because I refused to cut my hair. I told him he should not have hired me with long hair then expect to cut after a month on the job. I think it was a polite way of saying "Get the F@CK OUT!"