How and When To Disclose - During the Application Process

Some people choose to disclose their diagnosis from the very beginning, before they are hired for a job. Here are ways to disclose during the application process:

In the resume, cover letter, or job application

During the interview 

Why disclose before you are hired?

Disclosing early in the job search is appealing to some people because they are being upfront, honest, and have nothing to hide.  It can also help some people get employment who may have difficulty getting a job otherwise.   For example, if someone has noticeable differences, an employer may not hire that person unless they understand why that person is different. If they know that this person is different because they have an autism spectrum disorder and that these differences will not interfere with their work, they are more likely to hire that person.

Here are some reasons to disclose your disability from the very beginning:

• If your disability is obvious or apparent to others.
  
  
• If you are open about your disability and most people already know about it.
  
  
• If you received the job lead through networking, and the person in your network has already told your potential employer about your disability.
  
  
• If you have a job counselor, teacher, or someone else helping you with your job application or attending the interview with you.
  
  
• If you will need reasonable accommodations to help you best perform the required job duties.

You may be concerned that you will not be hired if your employer knows you have a disability.  However, a company cannot refuse to hire someone just because they have a disability.  If they do refuse to hire you because you have a disability, it is called “discrimination,” and this is against the law.  Furthermore, would you really want to be working for a person/place who doesn’t want to work with people with disabilities anyway? 

Pros and cons of disclosing your diagnosis during the application process:

Pros: There are many advantages for an employer to hire someone with an autism spectrum disorder. You might have certain strengths such as attention to detail, hard working, strong visual memory, etc. By disclosing your diagnosis, you have the opportunity to let your employer know this.  If your employer knows about your disability from the start, and they still hire you, then you are likely being hired by a disability-friendly work place. Disclosing your diagnosis can explain why you may do certain things that could seem strange or inappropriate to others. If others can understand and accept your differences, you might have a better chance of being hired. For example, if you speak in a monotone voice during your interview, this tone could be explained by your diagnosis rather than a lack of enthusiasm for the job.  You are being upfront and honest from the beginning.

Cons: You may not feel comfortable disclosing your diagnosis to someone you do not well. You may not want to influence someone’s opinion based on your diagnosis. You might think your potential employer may not want to hire someone with a disability. However, this is discrimination and it is illegal to discriminate against someone solely based on the fact that they have a disability.

How to disclose in your job application, resume, or cover letter

If you choose to disclose your diagnosis in your job application, resume, or cover letter, include some information about autism spectrum disorders to explain about your diagnosis.  There is a lot of information available on the internet about autism spectrum disorders and some of it may not be accurate, positive, or applicable to you. By giving your supervisor a handout about your diagnosis, you have some control over what information your supervisor is getting and you can individualize it to yourself.  You could also direct them to an appropriate website or book about autism spectrum disorders. 

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.  

1. This handout is purely informational and does not explain how autism affects you personally:
   Informational Handout Explaining ASD
2. This example is for someone with an autism spectrum disorder:
   Individualized handout for ASD
3. 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
4. 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.

How to disclose during the interview: 

If you choose to disclose your diagnosis during the interview, prepare what to say beforehand.  There are many ways to go about disclosing your diagnosis.  Write down your own script and personalize it to you.  You may want to write exactly what you are going to say, or you may find it easier to write down some shorthand notes in the form of bullet points.  Have someone help you, such as a teacher, counselor, or family member. 

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 interviewer and ask you questions so you can 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
  
  

Disclosure Do's and Don'ts:

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).

 

Here is a script of what to say during a job interview:

"There is something I would like you to know about me so you understand me better. I have an autism spectrum disorder.  This means that I may communicate and interact with people a little differently than others.  In terms of communication, I may process verbal instructions with more difficulty than others.  This means that when you talk to me or give me a lot of directions at once, I might not hear or remember them all.  On the flip side, my visual skills are stronger than most people's.  So when giving me instructions, for example, I do much better when they’re written down than said aloud.  In terms of social skills, I like spending time with people in moderation.  Small talk does not come easily to me, and a lot of noise and stimulation can really distract me, so I generally prefer to work alone.  But because I am not socializing as much as others, I am more focused on my work.  Overall, I am very conscientious about my work and am very detail-oriented.  I can give you several references who can tell you more about me and my work skills if you’d like.  I hope this information does not discourage you from considering me for this job, but rather explains why I may do things a little differently than you might expect, but still do them well. "