Graduate School Admission Statement of Purpose

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Hello all,

This is my first post. First I would like to thank this site for existing, it has been extremely helpful to read about other people's experiences for me to understand how being on the spectrum affects the way I experience the world.

Here's my background:
I have not been diagnosed officially, but some psychologists and social workers speculated a year ago that I have Aspergers after taking the ADOS test. My family and friends don't seem to understand it (my mom can't organize, say inappropriate things, etc -definitely is on the spectrum herself). I think I look more "normal" than "high functioning" to them because I try really hard to hide it when I don't know what to say/feel/do or when I have sensory overload. I grew up in two countries, so my difficulties making connections with people and academic challenges were attributed to stress and cultural differences. I also graduated from a top ranking university, but had severe anxiety when taking tests and presenting to class. I would spend hours "decoding" lecture materials so I could understand them my way, and preferred writing essays in stead of tests that relied on memorizing terms and in class writing. Flickering lights were annoying and I couldn't concentrate in class. But a part of me is unsure if it's something I need to just toughen up and not make a big deal out of it. I don't feel comfortable using the terms "disability" and "autism spectrum disorder" because I feel I'm supposed to be the way I am, if that make any sense to you.

My question:
Shall I disclose that I'm on the spectrum to the schools I'm applying to? Professors? Peers?
I'm applying to graduate schools now to become a social worker/psychotherapist. I'm fascinated by how the human mind work and listening to people talk about their issues is like solving puzzles to me. The schools tell prospective students to write about their challenges, how they overcame them, and what they learned in the statement of purpose. I feel like it might help if I get help through the disabled student center, so I feel inclined to disclose my disability. But at the same time, I'm afraid talking about it in my essay will make the admissions think i'm not capable of handling their program and becoming a therapist for stigma. I wonder if this is one of those situations that's tricky: they ask you to share personal info, but you're not really supposed to fully disclose.

What do you all think? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

No, don't disclose anything. Most people don't understand autism spectrum disorders and they'll dismiss your application right away. If you really feel compelled to disclose your diagnosis, do it after you get admitted.

When I applied to grad school, I sent a letter explaining my diagnosis, but I have a diagnosis. I was accepted right away. I told them about some of my difficulties, (ie. social, executive function, sensory), but I also discussed my strengths. Despite terrible executive function skills, I graduated with first-class honours a semester early. I made sure to mention that. I have enough limitations, that when I get something to "brag" about, I don't mind. Acknowledging that I am not perfect but plan to work as hard as I can to overcome these limitations to the best of my ability helped a lot, I think. Schools are not allowed to discriminate against anyone based on disability.

That being said, you definitely should not disclose it without an official diagnosis, as they won't take it seriously without documentation. You cannot get any academic accommodations through the disability centres without proper documentation either. If you just want to discuss your issues without claiming ASD though, as the question asks, then feel free to word it differently. If you want accommodations, you should get a diagnosis, as it can be REALLY helpful to get some help that you need. I didn't have it for the first 2 years of my undergrad, but got it my last 2 years--SOOOO worth it!