The autism thread
Discussion
161BMW said:
Hi what is the general consensus on declaring autism if you did not declare it during the interview process but then got an offer etc. Are you meant to share it before you start ? As I don’t know how it would be received and they might ask why it wasn’t disclosed during interview process. If they ask what adjustments to make if any I don’t know as only got diagnosed 12 months ago.
You not under any obligation to tell them at all. If you do want them to make some adjustments then you would need to tell HR and probably show them your diagnosis. If you don't need anything changing then don't tell them.If you do decide to tell them later on and they kick off firstly it's a protected characteristic and secondly you just say I didn't tell you in the interview because it was relevant at the time.
When you say show then diagnosis do you mean show them full report as some of it is a bit personal ?
How to colleagues / HR / company usually react to diagnosis ?
I think there might been an option to disclose in application form but I didn’t because I thought if I did I would have less chance of an interview.
How to colleagues / HR / company usually react to diagnosis ?
I think there might been an option to disclose in application form but I didn’t because I thought if I did I would have less chance of an interview.
161BMW said:
When you say show then diagnosis do you mean show them full report as some of it is a bit personal ?
How to colleagues / HR / company usually react to diagnosis ?
I think there might been an option to disclose in application form but I didn’t because I thought if I did I would have less chance of an interview.
Usually when they ask for that sort of stuff it's for tracking and is not part of the recruitment process. Its illegal for a company to use that information for anything related to who hets the job. Same as asking about gender, sexual orientation, race, religion etc.How to colleagues / HR / company usually react to diagnosis ?
I think there might been an option to disclose in application form but I didn’t because I thought if I did I would have less chance of an interview.
I wouldn't show them the full report no but is there an executive summary or some part that confirms a diagnosis at a high level. Depends on the HR person and policies, they might take your word for it, they might want proof.
As for how people will react who knows, everyone is different. There is a fair bit of ignorance around Autism.
As I said unless you actually want them to make changes then don't tell them
Here it says
https://www.employmentautism.org.uk/faqs/telling-a...
After receiving the job offer:
This allows you to discuss adjustments that may be needed and gives the employer time to put these in place.
BUT the employer may feel that you have not been honest with them during recruitment which may reduce their confidence in you.
https://www.employmentautism.org.uk/faqs/telling-a...
After receiving the job offer:
This allows you to discuss adjustments that may be needed and gives the employer time to put these in place.
BUT the employer may feel that you have not been honest with them during recruitment which may reduce their confidence in you.
161BMW said:
Here it says
https://www.employmentautism.org.uk/faqs/telling-a...
After receiving the job offer:
This allows you to discuss adjustments that may be needed and gives the employer time to put these in place.
BUT the employer may feel that you have not been honest with them during recruitment which may reduce their confidence in you.
It's a risk either way, be upfront and it might put them off, tell them after and they might be annoyed. You can't really win as you don't know how anyone will react.https://www.employmentautism.org.uk/faqs/telling-a...
After receiving the job offer:
This allows you to discuss adjustments that may be needed and gives the employer time to put these in place.
BUT the employer may feel that you have not been honest with them during recruitment which may reduce their confidence in you.
I think I'd be minded, in that situation, not to disclose unless it becomes necessary - ie you require adjustments and they are resistant to accommodating your needs.
If you do decide to disclose, as has been said, there should be an executive summary in your report that outlines your strengths and weaknesses but doesn't go into personal detail.
Alternatively you could wait to get a sense of what the place is like, and if they seem decent you could then disclose, but saying "I am not currently aware of any adjustments I require".
If you do decide to disclose, as has been said, there should be an executive summary in your report that outlines your strengths and weaknesses but doesn't go into personal detail.
Alternatively you could wait to get a sense of what the place is like, and if they seem decent you could then disclose, but saying "I am not currently aware of any adjustments I require".
Would I just then copy and paste the exec summary or make it as new PDF with just the summary. Just wondering if I did that how would they know it was genuine and not making it up ?
Yeah I’m just wondering right now whether good to disclose before starting but after signing contract or not. I did a google and even some people with ASD don’t disclose but go on to say they aren’t ashamed of it but then why not disclose ? Right now I’m not aware of any adjustments but surely better to be upfront at start than later if struggling say and then disclose. I’m not sure it seems a minefield and I’m getting conflicting opinions and is hard to know which is right especially if wanted to work there for a long time. Forgot to say although wondered if disclose would your cards be “marked” so to say.
Yeah I’m just wondering right now whether good to disclose before starting but after signing contract or not. I did a google and even some people with ASD don’t disclose but go on to say they aren’t ashamed of it but then why not disclose ? Right now I’m not aware of any adjustments but surely better to be upfront at start than later if struggling say and then disclose. I’m not sure it seems a minefield and I’m getting conflicting opinions and is hard to know which is right especially if wanted to work there for a long time. Forgot to say although wondered if disclose would your cards be “marked” so to say.
Edited by 161BMW on Sunday 25th June 16:31
I got a separate summary and full report. Potentially you could PDF just the first x pages?
I disclosed a few months after I got my diagnosis (but I was still at the same company). They'd been accommodating before the diagnosis, and they're generally quite a nice bunch. Nothing bad has happened since. I think it very much depends on the company; I'd hope most places know what's really involved, but you might need to explain to them - and make sure you cover strengths as well.
I disclosed a few months after I got my diagnosis (but I was still at the same company). They'd been accommodating before the diagnosis, and they're generally quite a nice bunch. Nothing bad has happened since. I think it very much depends on the company; I'd hope most places know what's really involved, but you might need to explain to them - and make sure you cover strengths as well.
Will you need any adjustments because of your autism? If not then it’s a moot point, if so then there is no reason to have declared it earlier but depending on the people concerned and their empathy and experience their reaction could vary.
What industry is this and what’s the role (sorry if you’ve mentioned this already, skimming this on my phone). Some organisations and industries are much more tolerant of disabilities under their diversity and inclusion policies, some of which might be publicly accessible to give you a feel for what to expect.
What industry is this and what’s the role (sorry if you’ve mentioned this already, skimming this on my phone). Some organisations and industries are much more tolerant of disabilities under their diversity and inclusion policies, some of which might be publicly accessible to give you a feel for what to expect.
wiggy001 said:
Will you need any adjustments because of your autism? If not then it’s a moot point, if so then there is no reason to have declared it earlier but depending on the people concerned and their empathy and experience their reaction could vary.
What industry is this and what’s the role (sorry if you’ve mentioned this already, skimming this on my phone). Some organisations and industries are much more tolerant of disabilities under their diversity and inclusion policies, some of which might be publicly accessible to give you a feel for what to expect.
Hi it is automotive with a well known OEM.What industry is this and what’s the role (sorry if you’ve mentioned this already, skimming this on my phone). Some organisations and industries are much more tolerant of disabilities under their diversity and inclusion policies, some of which might be publicly accessible to give you a feel for what to expect.
I guess it will vary by employer - but :
I know somebody who was diagnosed several years ago, and decided they wanted to make their employer aware because they did want some adjustments to be made (primarily, to be able to continue working from home some days of the week).
The company didn't want the diagnosis - they actually wanted a letter from the doctor.
That did achieve the required result, but does seem to lack flexibility a tad. If you need further adjustments, it's not really practical to get a doctor letter for every one!
I know somebody who was diagnosed several years ago, and decided they wanted to make their employer aware because they did want some adjustments to be made (primarily, to be able to continue working from home some days of the week).
The company didn't want the diagnosis - they actually wanted a letter from the doctor.
That did achieve the required result, but does seem to lack flexibility a tad. If you need further adjustments, it's not really practical to get a doctor letter for every one!
Asking for a bit of advice.....................
I'm a 51 year old male, recently looked at some online tests for Autism (always score highly), and some youtube content, and a few of the questions/points said have made me think if I may be autistic. In no particular order;
- Social anxiety - I would much rather be a recluse than go out any where
- Food - I have the food taste of a child, new foods are a complete no-no (many of them totally normal to most people) and being in situations where I may have to try new food freak me out
- Making telephone calls - very last resort, I dont know how to start a call, structure it etc. I can take phone calls fine
- Routine - I have a simple life, but I REALLY like my routine to stay the same, we have a couple of snmall things going on at the moment and I feel down generally
- Planning - if for example I'm going to the tidy tip (last weekend :-)) I plan every single detail in my head, the route, the bay I need, and start to get anxiety a little bit.
- After social situations, I am exhausted
No kids, wife and 3 dogs. Normal life really, pretty plain and unexceptional. I procrastinate massively, though I haven't seen this mentioned as a symptom.
I have always thought I was a little odd, externally I think people wouldn't think so, I work in a senior position in Finance and have always struggled more and more as I climbed the ranks.
Is there any benefit to having this looked at more closely, even if I were diagnosed what difference would that make, other than I suppose explain a few things throughout my life that were "odd".
TIA
I'm a 51 year old male, recently looked at some online tests for Autism (always score highly), and some youtube content, and a few of the questions/points said have made me think if I may be autistic. In no particular order;
- Social anxiety - I would much rather be a recluse than go out any where
- Food - I have the food taste of a child, new foods are a complete no-no (many of them totally normal to most people) and being in situations where I may have to try new food freak me out
- Making telephone calls - very last resort, I dont know how to start a call, structure it etc. I can take phone calls fine
- Routine - I have a simple life, but I REALLY like my routine to stay the same, we have a couple of snmall things going on at the moment and I feel down generally
- Planning - if for example I'm going to the tidy tip (last weekend :-)) I plan every single detail in my head, the route, the bay I need, and start to get anxiety a little bit.
- After social situations, I am exhausted
No kids, wife and 3 dogs. Normal life really, pretty plain and unexceptional. I procrastinate massively, though I haven't seen this mentioned as a symptom.
I have always thought I was a little odd, externally I think people wouldn't think so, I work in a senior position in Finance and have always struggled more and more as I climbed the ranks.
Is there any benefit to having this looked at more closely, even if I were diagnosed what difference would that make, other than I suppose explain a few things throughout my life that were "odd".
TIA
MOBB said:
Asking for a bit of advice.....................
I'm a 51 year old male, recently looked at some online tests for Autism (always score highly), and some youtube content, and a few of the questions/points said have made me think if I may be autistic. In no particular order;
- Social anxiety - I would much rather be a recluse than go out any where
- Food - I have the food taste of a child, new foods are a complete no-no (many of them totally normal to most people) and being in situations where I may have to try new food freak me out
- Making telephone calls - very last resort, I dont know how to start a call, structure it etc. I can take phone calls fine
- Routine - I have a simple life, but I REALLY like my routine to stay the same, we have a couple of snmall things going on at the moment and I feel down generally
- Planning - if for example I'm going to the tidy tip (last weekend :-)) I plan every single detail in my head, the route, the bay I need, and start to get anxiety a little bit.
- After social situations, I am exhausted
No kids, wife and 3 dogs. Normal life really, pretty plain and unexceptional. I procrastinate massively, though I haven't seen this mentioned as a symptom.
I have always thought I was a little odd, externally I think people wouldn't think so, I work in a senior position in Finance and have always struggled more and more as I climbed the ranks.
Is there any benefit to having this looked at more closely, even if I were diagnosed what difference would that make, other than I suppose explain a few things throughout my life that were "odd".
TIA
That read like I could have written it, especially about struggling more as you climb the ranks. The anxiety created by some of the problems can be quite bad. I have most of the same things you do. Hate the telephone, hate going out, routine and planning.I'm a 51 year old male, recently looked at some online tests for Autism (always score highly), and some youtube content, and a few of the questions/points said have made me think if I may be autistic. In no particular order;
- Social anxiety - I would much rather be a recluse than go out any where
- Food - I have the food taste of a child, new foods are a complete no-no (many of them totally normal to most people) and being in situations where I may have to try new food freak me out
- Making telephone calls - very last resort, I dont know how to start a call, structure it etc. I can take phone calls fine
- Routine - I have a simple life, but I REALLY like my routine to stay the same, we have a couple of snmall things going on at the moment and I feel down generally
- Planning - if for example I'm going to the tidy tip (last weekend :-)) I plan every single detail in my head, the route, the bay I need, and start to get anxiety a little bit.
- After social situations, I am exhausted
No kids, wife and 3 dogs. Normal life really, pretty plain and unexceptional. I procrastinate massively, though I haven't seen this mentioned as a symptom.
I have always thought I was a little odd, externally I think people wouldn't think so, I work in a senior position in Finance and have always struggled more and more as I climbed the ranks.
Is there any benefit to having this looked at more closely, even if I were diagnosed what difference would that make, other than I suppose explain a few things throughout my life that were "odd".
TIA
I am on the waiting list for an assessment. Why did I go for it, I think to better understand the reason why I have these issues, and also to then be able to take the diagnosis to a counselor who understands the condition and work on the anxiety with that knowledge, rather than a general approach.
There is also the benefit of anytime in the future being able to use it to ask work to make adjustments. Not sure that I would but nice to know its there.
MOBB said:
Asking for a bit of advice.....................
I'm a 51 year old male, recently looked at some online tests for Autism (always score highly), and some youtube content, and a few of the questions/points said have made me think if I may be autistic. In no particular order;
- Social anxiety - I would much rather be a recluse than go out any where
- Food - I have the food taste of a child, new foods are a complete no-no (many of them totally normal to most people) and being in situations where I may have to try new food freak me out
- Making telephone calls - very last resort, I dont know how to start a call, structure it etc. I can take phone calls fine
- Routine - I have a simple life, but I REALLY like my routine to stay the same, we have a couple of snmall things going on at the moment and I feel down generally
- Planning - if for example I'm going to the tidy tip (last weekend :-)) I plan every single detail in my head, the route, the bay I need, and start to get anxiety a little bit.
- After social situations, I am exhausted
No kids, wife and 3 dogs. Normal life really, pretty plain and unexceptional. I procrastinate massively, though I haven't seen this mentioned as a symptom.
I have always thought I was a little odd, externally I think people wouldn't think so, I work in a senior position in Finance and have always struggled more and more as I climbed the ranks.
Is there any benefit to having this looked at more closely, even if I were diagnosed what difference would that make, other than I suppose explain a few things throughout my life that were "odd".
TIA
Can't say anything has struck me as unusual. I'm normally knackered after a night out. Takes me a good 3-5 days to get over it. I'm a 51 year old male, recently looked at some online tests for Autism (always score highly), and some youtube content, and a few of the questions/points said have made me think if I may be autistic. In no particular order;
- Social anxiety - I would much rather be a recluse than go out any where
- Food - I have the food taste of a child, new foods are a complete no-no (many of them totally normal to most people) and being in situations where I may have to try new food freak me out
- Making telephone calls - very last resort, I dont know how to start a call, structure it etc. I can take phone calls fine
- Routine - I have a simple life, but I REALLY like my routine to stay the same, we have a couple of snmall things going on at the moment and I feel down generally
- Planning - if for example I'm going to the tidy tip (last weekend :-)) I plan every single detail in my head, the route, the bay I need, and start to get anxiety a little bit.
- After social situations, I am exhausted
No kids, wife and 3 dogs. Normal life really, pretty plain and unexceptional. I procrastinate massively, though I haven't seen this mentioned as a symptom.
I have always thought I was a little odd, externally I think people wouldn't think so, I work in a senior position in Finance and have always struggled more and more as I climbed the ranks.
Is there any benefit to having this looked at more closely, even if I were diagnosed what difference would that make, other than I suppose explain a few things throughout my life that were "odd".
TIA
Feeling out of it is totally normal as you move up the ranks. The senior guys should have given you some "tips" on how to get through it all.
Can you elaborate on why you think you are a little odd? And how to you react when things don't go to plan or you don't get your way?
MOBB said:
Asking for a bit of advice.....................
I'm a 51 year old male, recently looked at some online tests for Autism (always score highly), and some youtube content, and a few of the questions/points said have made me think if I may be autistic. In no particular order;
- Social anxiety - I would much rather be a recluse than go out any where
- Food - I have the food taste of a child, new foods are a complete no-no (many of them totally normal to most people) and being in situations where I may have to try new food freak me out
- Making telephone calls - very last resort, I dont know how to start a call, structure it etc. I can take phone calls fine
- Routine - I have a simple life, but I REALLY like my routine to stay the same, we have a couple of snmall things going on at the moment and I feel down generally
- Planning - if for example I'm going to the tidy tip (last weekend :-)) I plan every single detail in my head, the route, the bay I need, and start to get anxiety a little bit.
- After social situations, I am exhausted
No kids, wife and 3 dogs. Normal life really, pretty plain and unexceptional. I procrastinate massively, though I haven't seen this mentioned as a symptom.
I have always thought I was a little odd, externally I think people wouldn't think so, I work in a senior position in Finance and have always struggled more and more as I climbed the ranks.
Is there any benefit to having this looked at more closely, even if I were diagnosed what difference would that make, other than I suppose explain a few things throughout my life that were "odd".
TIA
I am you but a year further on, in fact I am coming up to my first birthday at the end of the month. I'm a 51 year old male, recently looked at some online tests for Autism (always score highly), and some youtube content, and a few of the questions/points said have made me think if I may be autistic. In no particular order;
- Social anxiety - I would much rather be a recluse than go out any where
- Food - I have the food taste of a child, new foods are a complete no-no (many of them totally normal to most people) and being in situations where I may have to try new food freak me out
- Making telephone calls - very last resort, I dont know how to start a call, structure it etc. I can take phone calls fine
- Routine - I have a simple life, but I REALLY like my routine to stay the same, we have a couple of snmall things going on at the moment and I feel down generally
- Planning - if for example I'm going to the tidy tip (last weekend :-)) I plan every single detail in my head, the route, the bay I need, and start to get anxiety a little bit.
- After social situations, I am exhausted
No kids, wife and 3 dogs. Normal life really, pretty plain and unexceptional. I procrastinate massively, though I haven't seen this mentioned as a symptom.
I have always thought I was a little odd, externally I think people wouldn't think so, I work in a senior position in Finance and have always struggled more and more as I climbed the ranks.
Is there any benefit to having this looked at more closely, even if I were diagnosed what difference would that make, other than I suppose explain a few things throughout my life that were "odd".
TIA
Don't laugh but the thing that helped me the most was actually Mumsnet. Reading women's experiences of dealing with their kids, teens and husbands was a massive eye opener to me, I didn't really know much about Autism before but the more I read on there the more it helped me to understand my behaviour. I have had so many "so that's why I do that" type of experiences since then.
I don't think I will get diagnosed because I think its incredibly obvious that I am Autistic. Someone on here said "Once you know, you KNOW". However you might find it helpful if you think that ADD might also be present as that can be medicated at least.
I found the Raads R test https://embrace-autism.com/raads-r/#test seemed to have the best questions of the online tests. For comparison I scored 103 on that one but someone on here scored nearly 250
I am sorry Gillettefan but I pissed myself laughing at your comment about being exhausted after social interactions. MOBB is probably masking which he finds exhausting not that he is struggling with hangovers. Do you need some time to decompress after work MOBB?
The awareness that you are a little odd / different seems to be very common.
Which one of you parents do you suspect might be Autistic? It's very obvious now that my mother is also Autistic, her father who I never met, killed himself so I suspect that he might also have been on the spectrum.
Which one of you parents do you suspect might be Autistic? It's very obvious now that my mother is also Autistic, her father who I never met, killed himself so I suspect that he might also have been on the spectrum.
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