Disclosure to keep my job?

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I am in a very tough spot. My employer is restructuring, eliminated the position I've held for 10 years, and laid me off with two months notice. They then posted an opening for a nearly identical job, under a different title, and unspecified salary, and invited me to apply. I have done so.

I am simultaneously searching for something new, but I need whatever I can get by June 30. Though my first choice is to move on, I need to put myself in the best position to get my "old" job back.

When I informed my supervisor I was applying, she made some interesting comments. She said, "Oh, good - I was hoping you would apply. I've always thought you did good work." Then she made some offhand comments, half to herself: "I wasn't sure if you were feeling tired, or if you liked working for me."

I didn't give an answer at the time, but these comments stuck in my head. It suggests to me that, even though we've worked together for years, she's having trouble reading me. So I think I should answer them, and it follows that I should disclose Asperger's as an explanation for that.

Here's what I plan to write in an email:

[Boss's name],

I have been thinking about something you said to me earlier this week, after I mentioned I was applying for the [new job title].

You said you weren’t sure whether I was tired, or that I liked working for you. I realized I did not answer these questions, and decided I will answer them for you now, since they seem to be very important questions.

First, I want to assure you I am not tired or burned out. The organization is now doing perhaps its most exciting work in all the time I’ve spent here, and I have always been interested to follow it through and to support it. The potential to take on a new role is a challenge I look forward to.

Second, I do enjoy working with you. I enjoy your ideas and your vision for the organization, and watching it become reality. [more examples]. I learn from every supervisor I have, [list examples]. In that respect, you have helped me become better at what I do.

People often find me difficult to read, and I likewise find other people difficult to read. This is a fact of life for me as a person with Asperger’s syndrome. Unfortunately it can create misunderstandings or misreading of my intentions, particularly in the workplace. For instance, I do tend to appear tired or bored when I am actually listening or concentrating intently.

I tell you this now because I hope to stay with the organization, so I want you to be able to clearly understand me, and feel confident in my ability to perform. Your two questions suggested a difficulty in reading me, and I would prefer we have open communication.

Please feel free to come to me with any further questions. I welcome the chance to discuss further.

Thanks,
[My name]

Do you think I am doing the right thing?

Honestly I think it is a great e-mail and the line about having Aspergers could be pulled without lessening the impact.

Mainly protection for you. The note is well written without it and revealing Aspegers to any employer is a tricky thing to be sure.

I agree. Leave out the aspergers stuff. Let them just think you're not super social\interactive.

Less stigma. Also one less thing for them to hang on to when they compare you with other applicants

Thank you for this feedback. It's a tough call, to be sure. Especially because I am not diagnosed.

I sent the email and I did leave it out.