In the wake of Conn. shootings, academic job negotiations:

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Hi everyone,

I'm a 2012 PhD on the academic job market, and I hope to be negotiating offers for a tenure-track position very shortly now (offer season is January-February).

I always knew I would be disclosing my diagnosis to my employer as part of these negotiations or immediately after. In addition to having autism, I study aspects of autism as part of my research, and I do in very rare instances need ADA-related accommodations on the job.

But Friday's devastating events have complicated things for me. In light of the Conn shootings, I don't know if, when or how to talk to my employer about autism. Normally these conversations happen at the start of employment, and my employer may resent it if I withhold the information until the national buzz about autism dies down. I'm worried about disclosing my diagnosis so soon after the shooting. I don't want to ruin my career.

But I also feel called to stand up and be an example of an autistic person who is a responsible member of her local and professional community -- especially now.

What do I do? What would you do?

DRC

[Moved from General Autism to Work and Finding a Job]

I think you'll get better response here.

That's a hard one. One would hope that the academic community, particularly in your field, would be enlightened and it should be a non-issue. But, I have a different view of academia these days. I don't know. If it were me, I am guessing that I would disclose. I don't think you would be equated with the tragic situation of late. Do you have a mentor - a prof you could speak to about your concerns?

You have a CV and references - you should bode well. You will need accommodations eventually - as you said, on rare occasions, so when to disclose is an issue - when will you need to have them in place? What if you contact the disability department of the institution you are applying to? You could have a confidential chat? Are you legally required to disclose? Where I am in Canada, most lawyers will talk to us for 1/2 free - do you have that sort of access? Do you have a human rights office? Or labor relations?

Best of luck. I understand your anxiety, though I believe you would be fine. If you can, please let us know anything you learn through the experience and how you fare.

LM

Check out the JAN or job accommodation network as well as Think Beyond the Label. They might help. I am asking myself the same question now... you are not alone! Congrats on your degree completion. The finishing of the degree will discount the trepidation i reckon. As to when to disclose, find the least risky time to disclose per the laws of your local area as it varies. Here in my area there are not very many protections so i have not disclosed yet except to one professor and the college disability services, but never have disclosed to any employer or possible employer..as i am in a fire at will state