I recently have become comfortable with saying I'm a self-diagnosed person with autism. Since then, the second I walk into work (which is not a healthy environment to begin with [min. wage increase will make it impossible for a new job]) I become really overwhelmed and I'm stuck in a corner because if I tell my managers, they'll tell everyone (as they've done it before countless times with others). Any advice on how I can try and let them know and not have it happen to me?
Naturally this depends on whether you are, but one thing I found really useful when I was undiagnosed was the phraseĀ āin the process of being diagnosedā. A lot of people treat it exactly the same as being diagnosed and so will give you the same treatment as if you were diagnosed.
As for stopping your managers from spreading that information: it is illegal for them to do so without your permission. If you can think of a way to remind them of this as you tell them, that could work. For instance if in the UK you could email and finish up with something likeĀ āI trust that you will keep this confidential as per the Data Protection Actā, to remind them of their legal responsibility. Iām sure youād be able to find a similar piece of legislation if you are based elsewhere
Hope this helps
Liz
