Would you want to be identified as an Aspie in the workplace

Post Reply New Topic

I'm currently putting together a case to create an Aspie/HFA intern program in a large IT group. As a closet Aspie, I know that the opportunities are here and that there are places where "eccentricities" are handled well and with a minimum of stress for everyone concerned. I also firmly believe in the neurodiversity concept and think that we'd end up with some real business benefits while helping people that may have previously had problems integrating into the workplace.

Here's the question/issue, though: Obviously, individuals would need to self-identify to HR and possibly to their immediate management to qualify for the program. But, would you want to be "outed" to coworkers? There are both advantages and disadvantages and I know that it's a very personal decision. Unfortunately, at a program level, it really couldn't be an individual choice. Either it's obscured for everyone or public for everyone. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to propose it to HR.

My first thought had been to keep it private except from an assigned mentor. But then I started thinking about things like raising awareness, combatting stereotypes, etc. and the more public view seemed more appropriate.

I'd appreciate your thoughts and insights.

No, I would not.

I think it is important that my family and friends understand. Beyond that, I would rather keep it to myself.

Kind of like an ace card.

I don't need others to know though I would not be embarrassed by it, I don't see a need for it.

It will lead to exploitation. I assure you.

No. If I want people to know, I will inform them myself.

Certainly not. It is more favourable to seem enigmatical than to have all of one's acts explained by reference to Aspergers. Only three people know of my diagnosis hitherto, and I have no plans to inform anyone else.

Other than management and HR, I think it is up to the individual as to whether they tell their coworkers. S/he may choose to disclose to some and not to others, but this should be their decision.

I have felt unfairly treated at just about every job i ever had because HR never had a clue as to why work was so much harder for me than others. I plan to tell every employer from now on that I have disabilities without being specific. Mainly because if you are hired knowing your condition you are better protected by law against being fired unfairly!

I have come out to many of my coworkers and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. In addition, my field is chock full of Aspies so I think i am in a unique position compared to many other Aspies.

No, I would not want to be outed. I feel that certain types of info should be shared on a need-to-know basis, with the option to make occasional exceptions.

I have a number of other health issues that give me problems, in addition to the problems caused by my Asperger's. I don't need any official "outing" of my Aspieness.

I disclose in all of my interviews because it's an advantage for me.

It depends on the work place.

Generally I go with the idea of assumed acceptance so I am open about being an aspie, however in the work place we all know it's not that easy because co-workers ignorance may cause problems and management may see you as an easy target if you have something 'wrong' with you. If you work in a hostile environment outing yourself in any way can be hugely problematic, for example I've always worked in call centres and in that sort of work place it spells instant abuse and prejudice. If you're in a healthy workplace, if you're in a position where you're valued, then being open about being on the spectrum can be of benefit - for example my ex is in IT and very open about her autism, in all fairness she had to be as co-workers were very touchy-feely and eventually she had no choice but to make it clear as to why it was a problem, everyone accepted her and it meant a better work environment, also her employers are clearer as to what's expected and more flexible.