Disclosing AS to employers and coworkers

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Do you think it is necessary for an AS employee to disclose their AS to employers and coworkers? Also, if an AS person is fired for reasons believed to be related to AS and did not disclose AS to employees/coworkers, is it their fault that they got fired because they did not disclose?

I think the need for disclosure depends on the AS employee. Are there any work problems that are caused by AS (e.g., social skills, sensory issues, being disorganized)? Are there accommodations that your employer can make to help you improve your performance (a job coach/mentor, headphones, a planner)?

I would not disclose unless there is a clear need for understanding or accommodation, and I would limit it to "need to know" -- supervisors, most likely, and your human resources representative, but also anybody who is involved in accommodation or evaluating your work.

I would not put it down as that person's "fault" if they get fired--it's a judgement call, and not an easy one. However, you can't sue your employer for firing you over an AS-related problem if you never disclosed. Protection only starts when disclosure starts.

I started out by contacting my HR disability specialist (it's a big company). I gave her a list of specific accommodations I needed, and what they would help with. We met with my boss and her boss to discuss what would be done and when.

Should one disclose? That depends on the business. Large companies are statistically more supportive of disabled civil rights than small business. If they have state or federal contacts, they are under close scrutiny to follow equal protection laws (and may even have quotas). If you hear a lot of bigoted remarks about minorities and women, it may be a sign that it is not safe to come out.

I highly recommend doing so. Legally, employers are to make special concessions to the disabled, as per the Americans with Disabilities act (ADA)

When I voluntarily identify as disabled on a job application, isn't that enough? Do I really have to blatantly tell my boss "I have Asperger's?" For that matter, I told my current boss that interpersonal social skills are my biggest weakness when I was asked what my biggest weakness is. I also mentioned that I am part of a filmmaking group for disabled adults. I didn't specify Asperger's but I figured that coupled with interpersonal social skills being my biggest weakness it would be obvious. Is this not enough?

I have jobs where I would have NEVER told anyone but my current employer is amazing and supportive and I told them because I knew they value me and would be open. If you don't know this for a fact it can be risky to tell. People have been illegally fired for disclosing and that pisses me of SO much because they can always make up another reason and get away with it. Be careful.