Disclosure about autism can be tricky for our teenagers, and especially as they grow into adulthood. At school when they are younger, usually it’s fairly well known among school staff and classmates that your child is autistic due to their individual education plan (IEP) and support they receive. However, as they start branching out into other areas of the world – such as part-time jobs, activities outside of school and beginning of college or trade school – it is good to think about to whom and when your teen provides disclosure about their autism. Some teens are very open about being autistic, and others are more wary of letting others know they have autism. It’s a very personal decision for each individual.
Considerations for autism diagnosis disclosure
There are many considerations for an autistic person when determining when and how to disclose they have autism.
While we want to believe that most people are open to neurodiversity, many still don’t understand autism and tend to fall back on the stereotypes portrayed in the media or online. It can lead to negative misperceptions of an autistic person or misunderstanding of behavior.
Yet, many autistic people embrace their autism and disclose because it allows them to be their authentic selves around others. My son J is usually very open that he has autism and has been ever since he learned about his diagnosis. For him, autism is a big part of who he is, and he feels like it helps others better understand his differences and behavior.
Here are some things your teen should think about when determining when to disclose they are autistic:
- Does your teen need accommodations on a job or in college to be successful or manage sensory issues?
- Do they require any special devices or equipment for them to be able to do a job or task?
- Does your teen require a modification of a work schedule?
- Do they feel like disclosing they are autistic will help them manage relationships better?
- Is autism a big part of their identity, and they feel like they need to disclose it?
- Are they able and willing to educate others about autism?
- Can they advocate for themselves successfully?
- Will they have a job coach with them if they are hired for a job?
- Are they concerned about discrimination or whether an employer may not hire them for a job before they have a chance to prove themselves?
Accommodations for autistic students in college
This past week, my son J and I had a meeting with the vice chancellor of the office of disabilities at his community college to talk through his accommodations for the upcoming semester. They have been great to work with, and she reminded him that disclosure of his autism is completely up to him. His letter of accommodations to provide to his instructors will not include his diagnosis – instead, it will note that he qualifies for accommodations and what those are.
It was a good reminder that determining disclosure is really up to him. He can make that decision himself and how he wants to manage it.
For the details of how to support your autistic college student in obtaining accommodations, see this blog post.
Autism and workplace for teens
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects those with disabilities from discrimination, and autism is included on its list. The ADA website states, “to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities, the ADA sets out requirements that apply to many of the situations you encounter in everyday life. Employers, state and local governments, businesses that are open to the public, commercial facilities, transportation providers, and telecommunication companies all have to follow the requirements of the ADA.”
From an employment perspective, the ADA notes “employers must provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the employment-related opportunities available to others. This includes things like recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, pay, and social activities.”
You and your teen should become familiar with the requirements from the ADA for employers so that you are aware before your teen starts their first job. It also can help in the decision-making process for whether your teen should disclose they are autistic to their employer.
How to disclose autism
Along with if your teen decides to disclose they are autistic, they also need to think about when and how. If they are disclosing to a new friend or colleague, then most likely an in-person conversation is best.
How and when your teen could provide a disclosure of autism to a college or an employer takes more consideration and thinking through the pros and cons. This article from the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) does a great job of helping your teen evaluate the various options for situations regarding school and employment.
Have you helped your teen think about disclosure of autism? What helped them? Leave a comment below so that we can share and encourage each other on this journey!
Additional resources
Want additional information on this topic? Check out the resources below.
Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum (affiliate link)
Asperger’s Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide: A Neurotypical’s Secrets for Success (affiliate link)
Making Friends at Work: Learning to Make Positive Choices in Social Situations for People with Autism (affiliate link)
Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidence (affiliate link)
Life Skills Workbook for Teens with Autism and Special Needs: Activities to help develop Independence, Self Advocacy and Self Care (affiliate link)
