Understanding Autism: Why I Don’t Regret Being Open About Being Autistic at Work

If and when to disclose that you are autistic to your employer is a difficult and very personal decision. It has worked out well for me, though not without drawbacks. What is important is to make the decision in an informed manner.

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I received my autism diagnosis 7 years ago, and it was a life-changing event. For the first time in nearly 50 years of my life, things made sense. I knew who I was, why I was that way, and that nothing was wrong with me.

I obtained my diagnosis through a referral to occupational health from my employer, so realistically, they were always going to know what the results were. But I would have told them anyway, not least because the final push to get a diagnosis had come from ongoing problems at work and being labelled as a troublemaker for asking too many questions.

Looking back, while it has not been plain sailing in any way, I can honestly say that there has not been a single moment when I have regretted telling my employer that I am autistic. I have experienced prejudice and ignorance, and I still do, but for me, the benefits have outweighed the drawbacks from day one.