Disclosure

Disclosure is the process of making known what was previously unknown. This can mean an individual disclosing to others their suspicion of, or diagnosis of, their own Asperger profile. Additionally, this can refer to the process of one person suggesting to another that they might fit the description. Disclosure conversations can occur in relation to work, friends, family, or strangers.

When an individual with an Asperger profile is disclosing about him or herself, we often suggest that he or she discloses “strategically.” Strategic disclosure involves sharing the amount of information necessary for the situation. This might be a full explanation of the individual’s diagnosis or it may just be a statement about a particular characteristic of the profile (for example, requesting a quieter workspace because of a particular challenge in focusing on work).

Disclosure is different for everyone and in every situation and requires thoughtful consideration and sensitivity.

Essential Resources:

Safety: Medical ID Bracelets and Wallet Card
Should You Disclose Asperger Syndrome to Your Employer?
Diagnosis

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Asperger/Autism Spectrum Fact Sheet

Article

About Asperger/Autism Spectrum: It is neurological and affects the way information is processed in the brain. It is often an invisible difference. Many people appear very competent, but have difficulties in areas of communication and social interaction. It has a genetic and hereditary... more

Disclosure Choices

07/07/2022

Lee el Mensaje de Brenda En Español This month, we are discussing autism and disclosure. Disclosing an autism diagnosis can increase the likelihood that an autistic person will get the accommodations they may need. It can also be a powerful tool to minimize or eliminate the common practice of... more

Handling Disclosure as a Self-Advocate

07/07/2022

As an autistic self-advocate, it is no secret that disclosing my autism to others has and always will be a complicated process throughout my life. There are many factors that go into how, when, why, and to whom I will disclose my autism, but they all have to do with the purpose for the disclosure... more

Autism Disclosure and College

07/07/2022

In my work helping autistic students apply to college, the question of disclosure comes up frequently. I think it’s important for people to become comfortable with their authentic selves, and I usually disclose my own autism to families early on to set an example. Disclosing on college... more

Autism Disclosure at Work

07/07/2022

For Autistic individuals, the issue of whether, when, and how to disclose their Autism to an employer can cause anxiety and confusion. There can be many pros and cons to the decision, and it is not always straightforward. A general disclosure without consideration for the reasoning or desired... more

Me and My ASD: Our Working Relationship

Article

By Becca Lory It has been three years since I got my official Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and quite a bit has changed in my life since, not the least of which is that I have adjusted my life to accommodate the specific challenges that my ASD presents for me. But getting here was no... more

The Self-Discovery of One Aspie Woman

11/09/2016

I had always thought of myself as a sensitive and independent introvert who had found her way after an anxious and lonely childhood. When I hit 40 years old, something shifted – so many of my peers had reached the traditional milestones of marriage, children, home buying, etc., none of which I... more

Asperger/Autism Disclosure Stories

Video

Adults with Autism and Asperger Syndrome share their stories about disclosing their condition to prospective employers and other concerned parties. For the Asperger/Autism Network Disclosure conference on Saturday, March 14,... more