Should I Tell A Potential Employer I'm Neurodivergent? It Depends, And Here's Why.
Talking to your employer or a potential employer about your Neuro-Divergence can be intimidating, and disclosing the fact may not be the best option for everybody. It’s important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before doing so.
When applying for jobs or signing new employment paperwork, you’ve likely seen the section talking about voluntary disclosures of disabilities. Neuro-Divergence conditions such as ADHD, Autism, OCD, Dyslexia, etc. can be considered disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), entitling someone to reasonable accommodations at work and school, but no one is required to disclose their health condition unless you need an accommodation to perform your job.
Disclosing My Neurodivergence
I have never disclosed my ADHD or anxiety on a voluntary disability disclosure form. I neither wanted nor utilized accommodations while I was in school, even though my mother often tried to convince me I should. I never struggled with the academic portion of school and so asking for accommodations felt wrong to me. In university I would mention my ADHD casually and it surprised my professors. This sentiment continued into my approach to work. I never felt there was anything I needed an employer to do or change to accommodate my needs.
While I have never used one of those official forms, I have also never truly kept the information private. Most people who know me know about my ADHD and anxiety. I talk about it a lot, make jokes, and bond with others over it. Really the only people who don’t know are those who don’t take the time to know me on a personal level.
My choice is by no means the right one for everyone. Even though I don’t request accommodations from my employers, that does not mean I don’t sometimes struggle with the symptoms of my ADHD or anxiety.
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How Do I Decide If I Should Disclose My Neurodivergence?
Reasons To Disclose
You Want To;
You Need Accommodations
One of the biggest advantages of disclosing your neurodivergence to an employer is that it allows you to access reasonable workplace accommodations. Employers are legally required to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities, including neurodivergence, if it affects a major life function, that allow them to fulfill the essential functions of their job.
To Advocate For Others
The best way to help others who are neurodivergent in the workplace is to advocate for them. Disclosing your own neurodivergence and using it to advocate for others is an important way to reduce the stigma.
To Prevent Misunderstandings
Sometimes accommodation isn’t needed, but understanding is. This can be especially relevant for those with Autism (ASD) or another neurodivergence that impacts social interactions, emotional regulation, or executive functioning. Disclosure can help prevent others from assuming you are being intentionally rude or that a behavior related to your Neuro-Divergence is simply poor job performance.
Reasons To Not Disclose
You Don’t Want To';
You Don’t Want Accommodations
Some of us do not want accommodations from our employers because we either have coping mechanisms that allow us to manage the job in its current form or because it may not impact our ability to perform the job. At this point if you don’t want to disclose, you don’t have to.
Uninformed Employers And Colleagues
Uniformed employers or colleagues have the potential to lead to discrimination or leave one constantly having to teach others. Obviously discrimination is not good and not everyone wants to bear the task of informing everyone around them.
Fear Of Discrimination
The ADA, or a similar state law if your employer is too small to be subject to the ADA, protects you from discrimination because of your disability. Of course we all know that just because a law exists in theory, does not mean it always applies in practicality. It is not unreasonable to be concerned that disclosing your Neuro-Divergence could lead to you being passed over for advancement or used as an unreasonable and unfair scapegoat for other issues.
Final Thoughts…
Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether or not disclosing your neurodivergent status is the right move for you. If you do decide to disclose, make sure you prepare for the conversation. Research your rights and the potential accommodations that could be offered. Do your best to be prepared to discuss the condition in a respectful and informed manner.
No matter what decision you make, remember that you are worthy of respect and dignity. You have the right to be treated fairly, and you should never feel ashamed of who you are.
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! I’m Madeline Jefferson. I am a freelance writer, editor, and designer who has a wide breadth of experience and knowledge on many subjects including: fiction writing, religion, law, politics, history, literature, chronic illness, and mental health. I have a B.A. in Religion and Middle Eastern Studies from Washington and Lee University. As a freelancer I offer services such as: blog writing, copywriting, ghostwriting, manuscript editing, and print and digital design. You can find me on: LinkedIn; Twitter, Instagram; and on my website: https://www.madelinejefferson.com/.
