Telling my work friend I have Aspergers?

Page 1 of 1 [ 5 posts ] 

Jr1985
Emu Egg
Emu Egg

Joined: 17 Feb 2017
Gender: Male
Posts: 7

02 Mar 2017, 3:17 pm

I'm changing jobs soon and I decided I wanted to give a few of my work colleagues a gift and thank you card for being supportive, etc.

One guy in particular made an impact on me. Usually I struggle to get along with people, and even when I do seem to get along it still feels like a chore. However, I got on really well with this guy and he was the type of person who can make you feel good about yourself. It meant a lot to me, so I was considering writing on his card that I have Aspergers and struggle to get on with a lot of people, but he made me feel like I fit in and I really appreciated that. He also said once he'd like to work with disabled children, so I was going to say he'd be good at that because of how he got along with me.

Do you think this would be appropriate, or would it make him feel uncomfortable, especially if I mention Aspergers? He doesn't know I have it, not officially anyway.



Exuvian
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 16 Aug 2016
Age: 45
Gender: Male
Posts: 822

02 Mar 2017, 7:23 pm

Of course, it's ultimately up to you. How good of a friend is he? What risks may there be of telling him?
It sounds like since you're changing jobs, there's a natural "out" for you in the unlikely case that it isn't well-received.

From what you describe, it sounds like pretty low-risk though, and I'm sure he'd appreciate the kind words. So a "by the way, I'm an aspie" line might be just fine. And if he got along well with you, you can be the one who shapes (positively) his view of others on the spectrum he may/will meet in the future.

Either way, the thank you card sounds like a wonderful idea!



rowan_nichol
Veteran
Veteran

Joined: 28 Jul 2016
Age: 61
Gender: Non-binary
Posts: 773
Location: England

03 Mar 2017, 5:55 am

It is right to thank your colleague.

I suspect it will mean a lot to them to know how helpful they have been over the time you worked together.

It is a judgment call whether you just mention details such as not finding some of the social side intuitive or easy and they had been very helpful or whatever word you choose to use, or whether tho give the complete story which is that it is Asperger's which makes those things difficult.



Jr1985
Emu Egg
Emu Egg

Joined: 17 Feb 2017
Gender: Male
Posts: 7

03 Mar 2017, 7:01 am

Exuvian wrote:
Of course, it's ultimately up to you. How good of a friend is he? What risks may there be of telling him?
It sounds like since you're changing jobs, there's a natural "out" for you in the unlikely case that it isn't well-received.

From what you describe, it sounds like pretty low-risk though, and I'm sure he'd appreciate the kind words. So a "by the way, I'm an aspie" line might be just fine. And if he got along well with you, you can be the one who shapes (positively) his view of others on the spectrum he may/will meet in the future.

Either way, the thank you card sounds like a wonderful idea!

I think we're more than just work acquaintences, we've socialised outside of work a few times. But chances are we may never see each other again if I leave, so there's not much to lose by telling him. However, I don't want to make people feel uncomfortable. I also thought it would be good for raising awareness. He said once he'd considered working with disabled kids.



kraftiekortie
Veteran
Veteran

Joined: 4 Feb 2014
Gender: Male
Posts: 87,510
Location: Queens, NYC

03 Mar 2017, 8:19 am

It's nice, of course, to thank your colleague.

I probably wouldn't mention Asperger's, though--unless you want to be close friends with that person outside of work.