Oh god I mentioned Aspergers in an interview

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I got a phone call and was called to come in @ 2:30. I go in and I fill out an application and the boss interviews me. During the interview we say:

Him: If you were hired you'd be working 20-30 hours a week. Can you live on that? You get money from the government?

Me: I get social Security income

Him: Why are you on it?

Me: Disability

Him: What's your disability?

Me: I was diagnosed with Aspergers in 19...1997 when I was 12 here in Portland at the OHSU

I didn't say I have it, I said I was diagnosed with it. What else was I to say? Luckily he still seemed interested in me because he told me if I'd be willing to come in and work but I won't get paid but he has people come in and they work a few hours to see if they like the job or not and I said sure. Sometiems they say they don't like it because it's too busy there and some say they did like the job. It's also their way of seeing how well you work and do the job and how fast you can go.
Does anyone mention their diagnoses when asked what your disability is or why you're on SSI (if you are)?

doesn't sound like you messed up that time. If he still wants you to come in, sounds like you're good. But for future referenc, you didn't need to tell him why you are able to live on the pay. Just say you can live on it. That way you don't ever have to mention aspergers. He wasn't expecting you to give him a reason you could live on it, because income is generally considered a personal issue.

I think I would have done the same thing,given that scenario.You were "tricked " from the get go with the question....Do you receive money from the government....How is that any of their business.There are many reasons someone could live on part time work...spouses income,inheritence or family money,income from a law suit,none of it is any of your employers business.
Yet,when I am asked a direct question,I answer with the truth,especially if I am not expecting their question.So,dont beat yourself up for it,he was the one who had no business asking this question.

Not getting paid for "trial" work may not be the best situation...I have never heard of that, but it might be better for you to try and see how it goes and is better then not having a chance at all.I hope it goes well for you.

I effectively had this happen. It can really suck. I just couldn't get focused enough. Anyhow, it turned out worse than that - a guy who had been there doing work for months wasn't paid at all!

As to the situation, it's better than what I have to face to explain my reasons for not working. It may actually help me to get the DX, in order to show a reason for the troubles that I've had.

You were honest without shortchanging yourself, in my opinion.

It's great the person sounded interested.

In Norway it is illegal to work for free in a trial period, just thought I should mention it here.

Is volunteer work banned then? I know a lot of charities that tend to hire from their volunteers here. It's viewed a lot like unpaid internships.

Did he not ask you about aspergers? I find most people do not actually have a clue what it is.

He asked what it is and I said it was just a forum of autism. He also asked if it would effect my work. Because I don't like talking about it I said I have anxiety and get stressed but I hold it in. I will not have it effect me having a job and let it keep me from getting one. He told me the place gets real busy and sometimes 20 people come in at once and asked if he thinks I can handle it. I said yes.

I don't like talking about AS. Makes me uncomfortable. That's one of my obsessons I don't talk about much except to certain people.