A Workplace Strategy for Autistic Adults

As an autism coach, one of the questions I hear most often is, "Should I disclose my autism diagnosis to my employer?" In this video I share what I have learned.

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DISCLAIMER: Taylor Heaton is not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional. Her services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. Please note that Taylor can’t take any responsibility for the results of your actions, nor any harm or damage you suffer as a result of the use, or non-use of the information available through her website, YouTube Channel, or social media accounts. Please use judgment and conduct due diligence before taking any action or implementing any plan or practice suggested or recommended by Taylor Heaton or Mom on the Spectrum. Please note that Taylor doesn't make any guarantees about the results of the information you may apply from her website, YouTube channel, and/or social media accounts. Taylor shares educational and informational resources that are intended to help you succeed in navigating life as an autistic adult. You nevertheless need to know that your outcome will be the result of your own efforts, your particular situation, and innumerable other circumstances beyond Taylor's knowledge and control. Taylor is an Amazon affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from affiliate links. Taylor is a Flare affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from Flare links.

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#actuallyautistic #momonthespectrum #autisticadult

[passaggioalivello]

I'm already bullied at work. If I come out as an autistic human, it will be dangerous. I can't say it to anyone.

[shasita]

I've been honest about my late diagnosis to pretty much everyone at the office. The temporary manager was awful, I got some "oh, but we're all a bit autistic" a couple of times. But a lot of people have been open to learning what it means for me, and what I need. So... I guess a mixed experience of good and bad for me.
I do try not to mention it at first, so they get to know me without prejudice.

[FarsightUO]

You hit the nail on the head. Short version, my version: Only if work is a safe place. It's always a risk. You could be adding more work by unmasking. But... If you can't be autistic at work, you are statistically on the way to a burn out. So finding that safe place to work or at least one that accomodates your needs is pretty important.

[nukularius]

In Germany, when you are classified as disabled, you have the right to accommodations, better workplace protection, tax benefits and five extra days of paid leave. Also employers who have more that 10 employees and none of them disabled must pay extra tax and that money is given to those who employ disabled people and to pay for support programs. So when you are already at a job, where you and your employer are happy with each other, making your disability status known, can be a win - win situation. Abelism and bullying of cause exist here too so it's still a risk.

[gengarfluid]

This is so helpful.
Another thing to beware: a lot of WFH/Work From Home opportunities throw in "must be able to complete tasks with or without reasonable accommodation, " followed by "Safe Workplace."

If it seems oxymoronic, it is! Steer clear of jobs that broadcast an unwillingness to accommodate, even if it claims to be "safe." It will save you a lot of time and frustration.

[smylex]

I’ve already disclosed my self-diagnosis at work, and let them know I am currently seeking a professional diagnosis. I work for my state’s government, and the classification for the job I have in my department requires disclosure of any physical or mental issue which may impact our job performance. My management has been very supportive in my case, and they’re willing to work with me. For situations requiring official job protections (i.e., Family Leave Medical Act [FMLA]), I will need to submit paperwork from a licensed diagnostician.

[almarojo]

Your advice is spot on! This also applies in Germany. I made that mistake by 2 previous employers (one I told at the beginning and one I told later). In both cases it backfired badly. Since those 2 incidents I've never outed myself in the workplace again. Fortunately since 2022 I have found work that I love so much and is a supportive atmosphere (with coworkers and bosses) and I never did and never will disclose my information there because I refuse to risk ruining my job that I love.

[shellyfuquay]

This has been on my mind a lot. I work for an ABA company as an RBT so you would think that they would be understanding and accommodating, but I worry that some staff and parents would discriminate in thinking I was somehow less qualified to provide therapy for children with autism if I am autistic myself. Honestly, I think that makes me more qualified in some ways because I have real experience with some of the challenges my clients face that NT individuals may not.

[relentlessrhythm]

I was so happy to see this! My boss made fun of me for stimming today and criticized me for how my face was. It upsetted me.

[BrazenNL]

I did, and it's amazing. Then again, I'm in The Netherlands.

[Magus_Union]

tl;dw: NO

Long version: Labor rights (in the US) are already a crap shoot for neurotypicals. Anything and everything you reveal outside of legal binding writing can be used against you. Disability discrimination still happens, and the last thing you need as a worker is to be put into financial hardship because HR decided to spontaneously build a case against you to 'legally' throw you out the door.

It's legitimately not worth the risks in this day and age. Your boss is NOT your friend.

[MsOkayAwesome]

This is great advice! Asking for specific accommodations only seems like a smart route to go

[minksrule]

I feel very fortunate that I work in a very supportive workplace. I didnt need to disclose my autism because I feel comfortable unmasking (a little bit) at work and so it was obvious to pretty much everyone that I'm autistic. I did tell my manager that I was told to get assessed for autism and she was excited for me and said "really? When?" But unfortunately I can't get diagnosed (because my parents won't let me) so I'll have to stick with self diagnosis. I have not told my boss that I'm autistic because I feel like she knows and already accommodates for me without me having to ask her. I live in Australia btw

[remygallardo]

I would say it depends heavily on what your needs are and what kind of job you are doing or applying for. Before I was diagnosed I held five jobs. My first two jobs were very conducive to my needs as a high functioning autistic (janitor at a country club, and inventory specialist that counted product at various stores for third party verification). However three other jobs I've held were very poor fits (shift lead at a pet store, data specialist at a candle safety testing laboratory, and jewelers apprentice at a Jareds). It wasn't until that last job that I finally had a bad enough mental breakdown that I started seeing a psychologist and eventually got my diagnosis.

With that in hand I knew finally why I was struggling and knew that the job I was in wasn't going to last so I began looking for a job that would fit my needs; routine physical work, the ability to listen to music during work, and the ability to work alone/minimal team engagement. I found a job at an electronics recycling company that seemed to match that criteria and posed those as my strengths and disclosed my diagnosis as why I was a perfect fit for the job during the interview and honestly it has been the best job I've ever had and I have no plans to leave/am the only person in a department of my own. It is very important to isolate what YOUR needs are and frame those needs as your strengths and find a career that fits them.

You can work anywhere with suitable accommodation but if the job already caters well to what you need then accommodation is so much simpler. For instance, at my job the only things I have asked for is that I am allowed to maintain my mon-thurs schedule even during weeks where a holiday would fall mon-thurs and we would normally be required to work that fri to be elligible for the holiday pay, using my own PTO to cover the missed day. I don't generally take vacations or time off so I always have PTO I end up losing at the end of the year anyway so that was an easy point of negotiation. Being able to use my headphones during quarterly meetings or social engagements is also something we discussed.

[DreamState]

My wife just got a new job as an assistant store manager and she is autistic and has ADHD. Her boss knows and disclosed to her that she is also adhd and had no problem working with her and giving her the extra time and traning she would need to succeed at her job. I could not be any prouder of my wife for not seeing her adhd and autism as strengths that she can utelise to her advantage instead of letting them control her life. She is doing awesome so far.

[sistahsunshine]

Thank you. This is EXACTLY what i was just wondering.

[artifundio]

Your advice is on point! I have told casually to a couple of coworkers, minimizing the issue, and they OF COURSE don't believe I am autistic. I don't care that much, becouse I never had the option of someone accomodating to me for anything throughout mylife, so, I don't see the point in making it official to my bosses.
If I knew they would be receptive, I would tell them.

[Autisticheather]

I've been bullied a bit as well, but im working my way out from under her power. With the help of therapy

[mortenle]

If you want an accommodation at work, like at my university, you don't have to share it with everyone, but the HR person in charge of employee accommodations would request documentation in order to grant you official help. I had to do that with my back pain to request close classrooms and an afternoon schedule.

[daveanderson]

I let my employer know and they were really supportive of me but I have been there for a long time and the really like me, so it worked out for me fine, thanks for sharing this I alway enjoy your vlog .❤