Extensive disclosure to supervisor

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I've been in my job for a few years now and it's only recently that I've hit a rough spot, socially. My supervisor knows, vaguely, I think, that I have AS, since I requested reasonable accommodation for my sensory issues, but I want to write more about it and how it affects me, since I wrote much more fluidly than I speak. I've drawn up a tentative list of traits and explanations, which is about 4 pages long. Do you think that's too much? I don't want to bore my supervisor or give TMI. I talk about the social stuff, obviously, but also my executive functioning and TOM stuff. Any hints? Obviously, you might say don't disclose at all, but I feel pretty good about this; my supervisor is a pretty sympathetic person, and I've just GOT to talk to someone at work about it, advance my cause a little bit more.

Yeah, it's probably too long, reading is work and work is hard.
Your job (generally & cynically speaking) is to make your boss's life easier.

Your boss probably thinks 4 words is too long.

Since your supervisor knows already, sticking with a list of characteristics is a good thing. Four pages is perfect.

I attended an Aspie conference a couple weeks ago where one of the speakers described how to write our own "user manuals." Like those little books that come with computers, our own user manuals suggest to family, friends and employers how to get the best from us. The best socializing, the best work, the best ideas and so on. And, just like the computer manuals, this includes a few "warnings" about how to avoid glitches and problems. The speaker suggested being a little funny in our manuals and avoid technical language. This helps the reader learn more in less time, and enjoy it!

Sounds like you already know about this idea. Good luck!

I would love it if your boss receives your disclosure well.

Don't put too much into what 1401b says about verbage. He said same to me. I think he doesn't like to read. (Said good naturedly, 1401b)

Seriously, though... It is a legal document. I would think long and hard, and get professional guidance, before I submitted anything in writing regarding accommodations. That is what I did, and it is still a painful process. Probably for everyone. And remains so. But you have to do what you have to do in order to be able to stay independent and feed yourself, so just consider carefully what you write. And also, be careful about what you share. I did what you seem inclined to do... I over-shared in the naive hope of gaining better understanding and even acceptance; I got my accommodations, but they got a hundred more reasons to be "concerned" and plenty of ammunition to draw from to do as they saw fit while carefully phrasing any written or public speech regarding their reasoning and motivation for doing so. I know I started by giving 1401b a hard time, but I would have to agree in this case: Less is more. More is just more rope you give them to hang you with. Caution, friend.

Thank you all for replying! I think what I'm going to do is cut it down--a lot--to probably no more than half a page, just focus on the essential bits. I'm doing really well in my job, so I'm going to start with the positive stuff.

Wise. And don't forget, HR must treat it like a "living" document, and you must agree to any suggestions, so don't go for things they might suggest just to keep peace. Trust me, it's not worth it. Plus, you can change it if some things aren't working. Good luck!

Hi MissDorkness----it's very nice to see you!! !

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Here's another thought.... A WP member has already made a little guide:

http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt112787.html

I think it's FABULOUS, keeps things light yet still informs....

I'm glad you changed your mind about the 4 pages. The thing is, everybody's in a big hurry, nowadays, and so that doesn't allow for 4 pages of anything, IMO.

Best of luck, to ya!! !

Oooh, nice, I like that.

I keep things brief and to what is pertinent for a situation at hand. Very rarely am I asked for things beyond a doctor's letter and I feel I deserve my medical privacy and this is a seldom occurrence anyways.

I've recently been asked my HR to provide a copy of my assessment so they can more accurately decide what sort of accomodations I can have during testing for certain jobs I've applied for.

If I get asked about any quirks I can still display at times, I privately sit down with the manager asking and explain the issue and how it can affect me, but no more that. I also always state I don't want to be treated differently then my coworkers and held to the same standard.

Be factual. But before diving into the negatives, talk about the benefits that your AS brings to the job.