Aspergers Disorder Homepage

Question: Should i let my boss know that i have aspergers disorder?

(Posted by: Reveal my Identity? on 2008-04-09 10:44:23)

My job has changed a lot over the last few years, from a job that was very suited to a person with Aspergers, to one that is very poorly suited. While I have suspected I had Aspergers ever since first reading of the condition, about 10 years ago, I was only recently "offically " (meaning by a psychologist) diagnosed. My boss often tries to do what he calls "development opportunities " or "stetching my comfort zone " work assignments. I became overwhelmed, and depression set in. My boss has indicated, that he wants to make me successful, and asked me for input on how he could do that. Should I give him the guide, on how to manage an employee with aspergers? My concern is that he will think I am such a poor fit for the job, that I will be eliminated, the next time he gets told he has to reduce his staff. I am likely still employed, because I do a subset of my job better than anyone in our group (troubleshooting when stuff breaks.) But the job is so much broader than that. Another thing about Aspergers, is difficultly in just moving on to a new situation. I have developed a good repore with most of my co- workers, and in a way, even my boss. But I have considered finding a new job. Genie, Yes, I do have a talent in computer programming, and code trouble shooting. I have always excelled in this area, in college, and in the work place, above my peers. That used to be the majority of my job, but with coding going over seas (cheap labor), now I manage the process, write specifications and doing code reviews and testing for multiple projects instead of the deep focus for one project at a time, I am required to do a lot of communication and manage multiple projects. I have to figure out just how much I have to work harder at, and how much just isn't a good fit (meaning I need to find something else.)

Posted by: crabbyone on 2008-04-09, 10:54:33

I think you should definitely be open with your boss about your condition. If you like your job and enjoy working there, explain that to him, but also explain to him what aspects of the job you are not comfortable with. If he believes you can still be an asset to the company, hopefully he'll work with you to tailor your job requirements to things you are good at and comfortable with. Good luck!

Posted by: Allecto on 2008-04-09, 10:49:38

If YOU feel yourself that you are poorly suited for the job, then you should not worry about this boss and begin looking for a job that you are better suited for, one that won't make you overwhelmed and depressed.

Posted by: dixiedarlin7297 on 2008-04-09, 10:51:50

You should inform your boss of any disease/ disorder that could affect your work habits.

Posted by: Not a body; a soul on 2008-04-09, 10:52:46

Yea let him know. Sounds to me like he is trying to help you. If you do your job well, he has no reason to fire you

Posted by: Genie C on 2008-04-09, 10:56:53

That's a very good question! very interesting, i was wondering the same thing, because my13 year old son also has this condition! if i were you i would explain it to him and go from there. don't hide from who you are! people with aspergers are highly intellegent, my son is a weather man, all home made weather devices! do you have any special things that interest you?

Posted by: irishlass on 2008-04-09, 11:01:56

I would let him know, but tell him you also would like him to help you be successful but there are some guidelines that you both need to follow, give him the info. He will most likely love the challenge of helping you to grow more in the company, also it is against the law to get rid of someone who is disabled, no matter what degree of disability and employers usually get rid of staff that do not perform, not the ones who do.

Posted by: mcdannells on 2008-04-09, 11:16:45

Hello, If you tell him you have no one to blame if you get laid off but yourself. What do you think you will gain from telling him? You must of learned by now that you are not going to get sympathy. People can be very cruel and trick us into thinking they are nice, on our side etc.. Some things are best left unsaid. If you are that high functioning and people can not tell I just learned to keep my mouth shut when it comes to mental health. There are people out there who are prejudice. They may say they are not until confronted with a real life situation. If you do not like the job you have and think telling him will get you something you like better, this might be a rude awakening for you. So you are diagnosed is what I am saying, what has changed about you since your diagnoses, you are the same person you have always been. Could this be a self harm act? Punishing yourself for something? Aspergers Disorder is not a death sentence. If you are working with other people with such problems, then this is another story. Find a autism place in your community, a advocate. Tell them what you have told us. Make sure it is documented, then if you wish bring it up to your boss, if you are then fired you have someone and paperwork telling what you were planing on doing before he fired you. We have to look out for ourselves! The boss will then have the disability act to deal with, most places do not like dealing with the disability act and us who have a right to use it. Good luck! ADD If you want to find a new job do it, but do not use Aspergers Disorder as a reason to leave your current job. Makes everyone who has it look bad.