Should I tell them in my work about my AS?

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Nira
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28 Apr 2018, 4:03 am

Now when I am finally satisfied in my work there will be organization changes. My position will be cancelled and new positions will emerge. I will have to go through the selection process and if I will fail and don't find new position for me, they will let me go.

I think if I should tell them about my AS. If this can help make things worse.

Last august i had some interview with leader of some project. It was terrible. He - external supplier - examined me - I am employee of his customer. On this interview we should be in 2, but he changed it and next other man was here. I didn't know, what he asked and wanted hear from me. It was for me hard talk with him. I tried tell him that I have problems with communication and in this things is better my Colleague. He ignored this infomation, he didn't take it seriously. If I told him about my AS I don't know if this could help or no.

My colleague had with him similar interview and she told me that they probably thinks that I am stupid and she was angry on them. With this project leader I often have some problems, he don't like me but not only me, all our team. He couldn't accept or reject me. But in this selection process will more people judge me and they will can accept or reject me.

My current boss is good, patient and if I can't talk with him I can send him e-mail. I didn't tell him about my AS, but he know me long time and he it probably guessed. On the beginning it was hard, he didn't know me and I didn't know about my AS too. I had problems with him and he was the reason why I visited the psychiatrist and later get this diagnosis. I will have new boss if they accept me and I will work in bigger team.

What do you think, tell it or not? If yes, how?


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magz
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28 Apr 2018, 7:11 am

I would be against telling them. People are often unreasonably scared of psychiatric labels.


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nephets
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28 Apr 2018, 8:13 am

Only tell them if it gives you an advantage in the recruitment process, otherwise, do not. Magz is right, the percentage of people who think having a syndrome makes you dangerous is high.



infinitenull
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30 Apr 2018, 7:14 am

If you're going through a re-org like this then maybe your company is a little larger? If that's the case is it large enough to have an HR department?

If you have an HR department, or person, that extra layer can be just what you need to disclose and have some protection while not having to share with everyone. In fact if you share with HR then based on HIPAA they cannot share with anyone else other than your boss, and even that may be somewhat restricted. However they can intervene if they see you being taken out of context.

Here is the thing... what it sounds like you're asking for is assistance for your disability... the ADA says your job has to provide reasonable services if you ask for them. If this is the case then you may actually want to disclose.

If you have a local autism center or organization of any kind in your town this is the time to reach out! If you don't already interact with a local organization then google one and call them (even if they seem like they're not quite right)... ask if they have anyone who could give you advice on work accommodation requests. If they ask for more details go ahead and tell them what you've told us. It could help!

I've been through re-orgs too... and they scare the crap out of me because I never know if I'll survive the process or if I'll do well if I do end up with a new job in the organization. Asking for help at a time like this is a good idea :)

Good luck! I hope you find a new spot in the organization ♥♥♥


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Spiderpig
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30 Apr 2018, 7:38 am

Nira wrote:
Should I Tell Them In My Work About My AS?


Only if you want to give them an easy, irrevocable way to systematically invalidate you.


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Seff
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30 Apr 2018, 7:40 am

I agree with everything infinitenull said, although if your company isn’t big enough to have a HR department then it should still have to abide by the same rules, I’m just not sure who would enforce this.

Legally you don’t have to disclose it to your employer, and also your employer can’t get rid of you because of your AS.

It is difficult though, If I was in your situation I’d worry that they’d use this as an opportunity to get rid of me.

I think you need to follow infinitenull’s advice and see if you have a HR department and find out as much as you can personally about the law, but as previously mentioned your diagnosis should remain private.

Good luck!


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Nira
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01 May 2018, 7:34 am

Thank you for replies. Yes, company is larger. My employer has some rules against discrimination and this company supports good thinks, charity. I work here over 5 years and I didn't have problems here with bullying.

Employees for new positions will choose at least four people, maybe more. I don't know if is worse disclose it or not. I was on a lot of job interviews and most was not successful. Maybe share it with my current boss or HR can help with this selection process or vice versa.

Quote:
If you have a local autism center or organization of any kind in your town this is the time to reach out! If you don't already interact with a local organization then google one and call them (even if they seem like they're not quite right)... ask if they have anyone who could give you advice on work accommodation requests. If they ask for more details go ahead and tell them what you've told us. It could help!
That will be best.


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