Do I tell potential employers I have Aspergers?
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Do I tell potential employers I have Aspergers?...and if I do, when do I say it? Will I have to explain, does that then lessen my chances of getting the job?
Admitedly, I'm 14, and not even in sixth form or university yet, but I was wondering....When I go to university (because my diagnosis is just being finalised to go on my file/whatever), will they know or do I have to tell them? Does this get me any considerations or help? I only have mild Aspergers, but still...also, could I try and get any (extra) time in exams? I get distracted by small noises and constantly look up, not only in exams, but also in normal classes, and when I'm with my pyschologist, if people go past, I look up/around.
Cheers. I was just wondering...Last edited by Natalya; 09-06-2012 at 15:00. -
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Re: Do I tell potential employers I have Aspergers?I really wouldn't.
One of my rejections from uni made it very clear that my MH problems including Aspergers/depression were a big part of the reasion. The interviewer hinted at it heavily as well. It's just not a good idea. Even if you make it very clear that it's just mild (as I did).
It might seem like I'm just trying to find less embarrassing reasons for why I was rejected, rather than not being clever enough or whatever, but from the letter and what they said, I shouldn't have gone anywhere near mentioning it... -
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Re: Do I tell potential employers I have Aspergers?...but then later if you have issues at whatever workplace/uni that you got accepted into without telling them you had Aspergers, you can't just and say actually I did (have Aspergers)??(Original post by chinaberry)
I really wouldn't.
One of my rejections from uni made it very clear that my MH problems including Aspergers/depression were a big part of the reasion. The interviewer hinted at it heavily as well. It's just not a good idea. Even if you make it very clear that it's just mild (as I did).
It might seem like I'm just trying to find less embarrassing reasons for why I was rejected, rather than not being clever enough or whatever, but from the letter and what they said, I shouldn't have gone anywhere near mentioning it...
I'm not picking at you, I just don't know whether or not I should tell people - it would help if I got into uni/job, people more understanding, etc.
BUT otherwise, it limits my scope...
I don't know...confused. -
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Re: Do I tell potential employers I have Aspergers?Unless they specifically ask you, I'd probably avoid mentioning it. Aspergers is a condition that is covered under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, howver. You can indicate that you have this condition on an application form under the Disabilities and other conditions section (if it's included) and it cannot be considered as part of the recruitment process. Often, you'll find this sort of question on a supplementary sheet used for equal opportunities monitoring.
The upshot is, if you're asked, be honest. If not, then don't worry about it.Last edited by Mad Vlad; 09-06-2012 at 15:12. -
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Re: Do I tell potential employers I have Aspergers?sorry to hear that(Original post by chinaberry)
I really wouldn't.
One of my rejections from uni made it very clear that my MH problems including Aspergers/depression were a big part of the reasion. The interviewer hinted at it heavily as well. It's just not a good idea. Even if you make it very clear that it's just mild (as I did).
It might seem like I'm just trying to find less embarrassing reasons for why I was rejected, rather than not being clever enough or whatever, but from the letter and what they said, I shouldn't have gone anywhere near mentioning it...
It surprices me though cause unis, at least the ones I know, tend to be very understanding with these kind of issues and particularly depression. Could you please tell us which uni was that if you don't mind?
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Re: Do I tell potential employers I have Aspergers?Yes tell them.(Original post by Natalya)
...and if I do, when do I say it? Will I have to explain, does that then lessen my chances of getting the job?
Admitedly, I'm 14, and not even in sixth form or university yet, but I was wondering....When I go to university (because my diagnosis is just being finalised to go on my file/whatever), will they know or do I have to tell them? Does this get me any considerations or help? I only have mild Aspergers, but still...also, could I try and get any (extra) time in exams? I get distracted by small noises and constantly look up, not only in exams, but also in normal classes, and when I'm with my pyschologist, if people go past, I look up/around.
Cheers. I was just wondering...
You could lose your job by actively not telling them of something so large.
Also, some people might employ you because you have Aspergers - equal opportunities quotas for you
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Re: Do I tell potential employers I have Aspergers?Glad to see I am not the only one who gets easily distracted (such as now when I am trying to revise. And failing!!)(Original post by Natalya)
...and if I do, when do I say it? Will I have to explain, does that then lessen my chances of getting the job?
Admitedly, I'm 14, and not even in sixth form or university yet, but I was wondering....When I go to university (because my diagnosis is just being finalised to go on my file/whatever), will they know or do I have to tell them? Does this get me any considerations or help? I only have mild Aspergers, but still...also, could I try and get any (extra) time in exams? I get distracted by small noises and constantly look up, not only in exams, but also in normal classes, and when I'm with my pyschologist, if people go past, I look up/around.
Cheers. I was just wondering...
Well, in the two job interviews I have had I have said I have AS quite mildly, and I mentioned it when they asked about health problems ("No health probs... but I do have AS milldly" type of thing.) And I am now happily working in Sainsburys, and I know at least two or three others who I am almost certain also have mild autism who work with me, so it can be a good idea!!
Your discretion though, but I would always say. Also, if it is found out later and you didnt say, you could potentially get into trouble (you may, you may not, who knows!!) so best to be on the safe side.
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Re: Do I tell potential employers I have Aspergers?Ditto...(Original post by simonbellringer)
Glad to see I am not the only one who gets easily distracted (such as now when I am trying to revise. And failing!!)
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Re: Do I tell potential employers I have Aspergers?University and employment are two different situations.(Original post by Natalya)
...and if I do, when do I say it? Will I have to explain, does that then lessen my chances of getting the job?
Admitedly, I'm 14, and not even in sixth form or university yet, but I was wondering....When I go to university (because my diagnosis is just being finalised to go on my file/whatever), will they know or do I have to tell them? Does this get me any considerations or help? I only have mild Aspergers, but still...also, could I try and get any (extra) time in exams? I get distracted by small noises and constantly look up, not only in exams, but also in normal classes, and when I'm with my pyschologist, if people go past, I look up/around.
Cheers. I was just wondering...
At university it is always best to tell the university so that you can get all the support you need. You won't get extra time in exams etc unless you need it, but you get an assessment done of what support you might need, and then the university will follow whatever the medics/support staff recommend. So for example, you can usually sit exams in a separate room, by yourself - that's a fairly standard accommodation a university can make. But if your Aspergers doesn't make you work more slowly, then you wouldn't get extra time, if it does, it might etc.
The Disability Discrimination Act means that employers cannot discriminate against you on the basis of your disability. You don't ever have to tell an employer you have a disability, but if you choose not to, then they can't be held liable for not making allowances for you. If you do tell them you have a disability, then they have a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments for you. The obligation for employers to make reasonable adjustments is pretty strong, ie most things are considered reasonable.
Only time will tell what those adjustments might be, but I've worked with someone with Aspergers and he was allowed to wear headphones in the office to cut down on noise distractions, his desk was in a position which minimised distractions, we spoke to him in a bit more detail about changes going on in the office etc, because those were all things that made him stressed and unhappy. Otherwise he was a good worker and a fun person to have in our team.
Employers should ask, when inviting you to interview, if you have any condition they have to make adjustments for at interview. So if you have (can't climb stairs, need a specific keyboard for computer tests etc) they must make those changes to accommodate you.
When you are asked to fill in a questionnaire about your gender, age, disability etc, this is separated from the application and dealt with separately, and should not form part of the assessment of your application.
It surprices me though cause unis, at least the ones I know, tend to be very understanding with these kind of issues and particularly depression. Could you please tell us which uni was that if you don't mind?
