Lesson 19 – Disclosure of autism

This lesson topic is disclosure.

We remind you that all the lesson sessions, video and materials from us do not constitute legal advice and are provided for general information only.

Autism as a disability

In the context of disclosure, especially in formal settings like work or studies, it’s helpful to understand the law around disability and what this means for autism.

Disclosure

The disclosure of your disability is a serious decision that needs careful reflection and preparation. Our guest this week is Janine Booth, an autism activist and trainer who discusses all various aspects of disclosure in the workplace.

Creating your own disclosure statement

Whether you plan to disclose at work or in your private life to friends and family, whether you plan to do it now or to wait for a suitable time, it is helpful to reflect and structure, really craft your disclosure statement in a positive way. It is your opportunity to define yourself as a person with unique strengths for the role and to control, manage the message, to define for them what autism is in relation to you.

Please turn to page 10 in your workbook and fill in the ‘Disclosure’ page with your mentor.

Disclosure in the context of the recruitment process and job interviews

The organisation Employability have run a series of webinars on this topic, which they called Next Generation Inclusive Thinking.

You can access them on Youtube.

About disclosure at interviews:

Next Generation Inclusive Thinking Webinar series – Your Rights: Privacy and Adjustments – YouTube

Focus on autism and neurodiversity: Next Generation Inclusive Thinking Webinar 4 – Tips for Interviews: Focus on Autism & Neurodiversity – YouTube