Honesty is the Best Policy - Updated! I got a job!

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I've been applying to jobs day in and day out for the past month.

I've had two interviews that have gone horribly awkward. No matter how I score on the tests, it doesn't make up for the complete lack of social prowess, and the notable tic I have in my neck.

So I decided to be honest in a resume posting, stating that I am amazingly talented, but am Autistic.

I so far have received one reply within the past 12 hours.

I'll be interested to see what happens with this.

In your case, it might be a good idea to mention this. Obviously, at the interview, you will have some differences (including the tic). However, where I might mention this information is in the cover letter that you would be sending with each resume. Keep the information off of the resume itself. You might also mention in your cover letter one or two ways to make the interview easier. For instance, if you are sensitive to bright lights, say that you prefer to have the dimmer on low. Mention that you might be slower to answer a question as you like to take a moment to gather your thoughts. That sort of thing. Don't go on and on about it - but a note or two on how your Autism will affect your interview (and your working conditions). Remember, your potential employer might think that "Autism" means either Rainman or Adam. Succinctly state how your autism will be evident, but have relatively little impact on your job performance. The interviewer will then have a chance to concentrate on your skills set and how you would be a good addition to their place of employment.

Last night was for celebrating.

I am "trying out" a position for data entry and verification instead of an interview tomorrow starting at 10:00 a.m. This was from the only legitimate response I got from this ad.

I know I'll do well with this position, so I'm really hopeful it will end up being gainful employment!

Congratulations!

Get there 5-8 minutes early, have a small sack lunch, be open to learning, and allow people to be different in their own unique ways!

And have a little fun thing planned for yourself that evening.

As much as "disclosure" is a two-edged sword, it's good to hear that it works at times.

My family mentioned to me I should disclose this yet I do not want to provide a weakness and a potient liability to an employer.

Did you use it as an advantage? I guess I am wondering how you worded it and I wonder if anyone else had any luck to this.

Do companies hire people with disabilities to qualify as an equal opportunity employer? I do wonder this.

For my specific situation, disclosing this initially worked to my advantage. The reason is because I received a reply from an employer that was very understanding regarding these types of issues. Since I started work at the company, effective communication regarding my issues has been very beneficial, and my boss has worked with me extensively to create a work environment that is comfortable for me. At first communication was difficult, because I've never been so open about my strengths and weaknesses.

I now email him on a regular basis regarding the day as a more effective communication method, and he is more straight forward with communication and repeats very important things because I made him aware I am left brain, left ear dominant (which means I am very literal, and have issues with retaining and translating verbal instructions). He also has been working with me on my days where I am over stimulated by writing down instructions, and breaking the tasks down into more processes to avoid mistakes, and offering more guidance.

As far as whether it's beneficial for you, I am not sure. It depends how high functioning you are. I am moderate functioning, meaning I have lots of difficulty communicating, there are times where I am unable to speak, and have someone that guides me with tasks day to day. I do live on my own with my boyfriend, but will be seeking extensive occupational therapy to live a better and more independent life. I could not work for an employer who is not understanding towards people who are not neuro-typical. If you think that it's irrelevant, and you can blend in fairly well by using scripts and mimicking others, then it may not be necessary.

Hello thiscoldfloor,

Congratulations! I'm happy for you.

You're right - open communication about strengths and weaknesses can be good. For example, earlier this year I did a contract project with a firm which heavily emphasized hiring the handicapped (they had many government contracts which may have stringly encouraged it). Not counting the manager's reserved spot, 2/3 of the parking spots in front of the building were reserved for the handicapped!

Just a few notes, based on U.S. circumstances:

* The decision to disclose is one only you can make. There are pros and cons to each side.

* The best time to disclose - if you do - is after you've been offered the position. If the employer knows before making you an offer that you're disabled, that actually gives him more reason to find a way to turn you down precisely because he knows that disabled workers now throw more legal burdens on him.

* Among other considerations, think twice before publicly discussing your disability, or blogging or posting about it on the Internet. That, too, is a decision only you can make. More and more employers search Google, Facebook and other sites when looking into particular candidates. Just know that many Aspie and other disabled blogs and websites are written under noms de plume for a reason.

* Disabled or otherwise, if an employer wants you to come in and "try out" the job, just do your best to make sure that they really are considering you for a paying job and they don't just want a day's or week's free work out of you. At least in the U.S., employers aren't obligated to pay for training, and training can easily slide into doing actual work (for practice, of course).

Good luck!