Do you tell your employer you’re on the spectrum?
by Beth
Cornell University is conducting a Survey on Emerging Employment Issues for People with autism and other Disabilities. This is a good opportunity for us to share our perspective on emerging employment issues. One topic covered in the survey might be of particular interest to people with Asperger’s: disclosing your disability in the workplace.
The survey is co-sponsored by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Cornell University. They’re hoping the results will provide a foundation for guiding policy change around these issues. The survey is brief (should only take 5-10 minutes), so if you have the time, link to the survey to share your unique perspective and expertise.
October 18th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
MY son is 17yrs old and a senior in high school, soon he will be graduating and needing a job. I as a mother am scared for him if he doesn’t let the employer know of his aspergers diagnoses, for fear that if they aren’t made aware they will think my son is just a rude person and give my son a hard time. At the same time my son doesn’t want to accept his diagnoses so how will he ever be able to function out in the big bad world?
October 18th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
I’ve been diagnosed with Asperger’s almost a year ago after my younger son was diagnosed with ASD. Currently I’m unemployed hoping to make it on my own but I do question myself – if I ever decide to get a job will I want to mention my diagnosis? The answer is – not really. To be honest at this point, at current level of national (and international) Autism Spectrum Disorders awareness it’s probably wouldn’t be advisable to provide that information to possible future employer. If you’re on a lower functioning side you obviously can’t avoid it but if you’re high functioning, you probably should. The reality is, a lot of people will treat you different whether you want it or not. A lot of employers will prefer “normal” people on the job. There’re of course those who will primarily look at your potentials and talents, but what is the percentage of those people?
October 14th, 2011 at 11:21 am
Why is it that Easter Seals doe NOT exist in Nassau County, NY????? I mean, I’m an adult w/ Asperger’s & why am I overlooked so? Please answer?