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 themselves, we often suggest that they disclose “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.
