How and When to Disclose - Before You Start the Job
Another approach is to disclose your diagnosis before you start working. In other words, you completed the application process, then you were hired, and then you disclose your diagnosis before you start the job. Specifically, you could disclose:
- After you receive the job offer, but before you begin work
- On or within a few days of your first day of work
Pros:
Your employer will understand you better if they know your diagnosis. Remember, if someone understands the reasons behind your differences, they are more likely to accept those differences.
If needed, reasonable accommodations can be put in place before you begin working.
You have the satisfaction of knowing that you got the job offer without your employer knowing about your diagnosis. |
Cons:
You may not get to this point because your social communication differences were not explained earlier in the application or interview process.
Your employer may wonder why you did not tell them earlier in the process.
You and your employer might not have as much time to determine what reasonable accommodations you might need to perform the required job duties.
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How to disclose
If you decide to tell your supervisor after you are hired for the job, it is probably best to have this discussion in person. Arrange a face to face, private meeting with your supervisor. You can say, “There are some things I would like to further discuss with you as I get started with this job. Do you have about half an hour or so to meet with me?”
Think about what you are going to say before meeting with your supervisor. Write down what you will say and bring your notes to the meeting. You may choose to write down word-for-word what you would like to say, or you could write down some notes in the form of bullet points as reminders.
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Practice what you are going to say out loud beforehand. Role-play the discussion with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. Have them pretend to be your supervisor and ask you questions so you can anticipate and practice responses. |
When disclosing your diagnosis, it is generally helpful to mention:
- A sentence or two about autism (or your diagnosis)
- Some positive characteristics of autism that can help your job performance
- What may be difficult for you
- What can be done to minimize this difficulty
Be prepared to answer some questions:
- “What is Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome?”
- “How will your diagnosis affect your performance?”
- “Are there any reasonable accommodations you need to perform the required duties?”
- “How can I best help you feel comfortable here?”
Bring an informational hand-out about your diagnosis to give your supervisor. Or, bring an individualized hand out that explains what autism is, but also how your autism affects you. 
Here are 4 sample handouts you could bring to your interview or include with your job application/resume that explains autism spectrum disorders. The first one is a general description of autism. The last three are samples of individualized handouts. Instead of being purely informational, they explain how autism might affect you personally.
- This handout is purely informational and does not explain how autism affects you personally:
Informational Handout Explaining ASD
- This example is for someone with an autism spectrum disorder:
Individualized handout for ASD
- This example is for Higher Functioning Individuals on the autism spectrum.
Individualized handout for Higher Functioning Individuals on the autism scale:
Individualized handout for AS
- This example is for someone with autism and a mild intellectual disability:
Individualized handout for AU and ID
If you choose to make an individualized handout, use this worksheet to help you.
Do:
 Briefly (in one or two sentences) describe what an autism spectrum disorder is.
Describe the strengths and talents you have as a result of this learning difference.
Make sure you describe strengths and talents that are related to the job – ones that will help you do the job better.
Briefly (in one or two sentences) describe several communication or learning differences you face as a result of your autism spectrum disorder.
Request accommodations that would help you deal with those communication or learning differences so you can do your job to the best of your ability.
Ask your potential employer if they have any questions for you.
Remember, emphasize your strengths! |
Don't
 Tell the history of your autism spectrum disorder (when you were diagnosed, doctors you saw, potential causes, etc.)
Describe medications you are taking (or have taken), or therapists or counselors you are seeing (or have seen).
Talk about all of your struggles or challenges that are the result of your autism spectrum disorder.
Mention or describe relationship problems (from home, school, or work).
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"I would like to explain some things about myself that might help you understand why I do certain things or behave in certain ways. I have an autism spectrum disorder. Having autism means that my brain operates a little differently than the brains of people without autism. Individuals with autism generally have differences in the way they communicate with others and the way they socialize with others. They may also have difficulty with change. For me, I like to have advance warning before things change- I can accommodate your work needs, but I get flustered when things happen unexpectedly or without warning. Just giving me a 5-minute warning helps a lot. Another characteristic related to my autism is my memory. I have an excellent memory and can remember facts and numbers easily. I think this characteristic will really help me in this job when transferring data into different databases. I am also very precise, which will make me a good person for the job. I wanted you to know about my autism so that you understand me and feel comfortable with me. Here is some information about what autism is, and I am happy to try to answer any questions you might have."
*****It is ok to read your notes during this meeting. You do not have to memorize an entire script.
Here is the information from the script presented in bullet points, for easy reference.
- I want for you to understand me better.
- My brain operates a little differently than those without autism.
- Autism means I have differences in the way I socialize and communicate with other.s.
- It also means I have difficulty with change.
- Advance notice helps a lot.
- I have an excellent memory, which should help me on the job.
- Here is a handout about autism for you to read
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