Aspies For Freedom

Last night an autism/special education teacher visited my workplace to give a talk and tutorial on children with autism and the best way to ensure they get a good standard of care and education in preschool.  This is because we have several children identified as AS and some preschool teachers don't know how to cope.  

I found it very interesting and informative and agreed with a lot of what she said.  Myself and colleagues were involved with the discussion and I volunteered some things.  I noticed the Director glance at me a few times after that, but as usual, I can't read expressions.  

As we were packing up to go home, she came over to me and asked what my "connection" with Autism was: did I have a relative with it?
Now, I've told the colleagues I work most closely with (those in my particular classroom and the one next to us, as I cover breaks in there) that I'm Autistic, and they're fine with it.  

But I haven't told the Director, as frankly, it's never come up and I didn't think it was relevant as it doesn't affect how I do my job.  So I admitted that I have Aspergers and we talked for a little while about it.  

But I still don't know what she thought about it, and I'm wondering if I did the right thing or not by telling her.  Maybe I should have kept quiet during the education evening, but it was so interesting to hear about Autism from a sympathetic Neurotypical point of view, as opposed to the usual guff we hear from them which is very patronising and/or downright wrong.

So now I'm stressing out about it and wondering about other people's experiences, good or bad, when they "came out of the closet" as Autistic at work.

Alison

I think it's great that the Director, too, had a chance to learn something.

I am so glad to hear you and your colleagues were discussing the subject and asking questions.   Perhaps she will now have a sympathetic NT view towards Autism as well.  

Last week a representative from the Austism Society of America came to my son's school for an in-service meeting with the teachers.  The first question asked by a teacher was "How long is this going to take?"  UGGGHHH!!

Many had their backs turned grading papers or working on other things and paid no attention at all to the subject and have no interest in learning more.  

Luckily, my son's teacher has followed him from 3rd to 4th grade and wants to go with him to the 5th grade next year to ease his transition.  She loves him and guides him academically (A-B Honor Roll!!) and tries her very best to learn all she can about Aspies.  Why oh why can't more teachers be like her?

Often sounds like out of stuff I've read in Autism Hub that the quality of the teacher is very important for autistic students.

Judging from the 100's of teacher-training sessions I've seen, this is typical behavior for about 15% of teachers.

Hopefully it'll be fine, Alison.  Your online presence seems quite centered--if this is your offline presence also, then I imagine people will take it all in stride and maybe you'll do lots more educating.

My own experience is that few people will actually understand what you are talking about. Even those who take the time to listen to you may not be able to comprehend what they are being told. Unless you are actually going to see some benefit within your employment then you should keep it to yourself as your collegues may be unsettled by what you are telling them. It's better to become or remain more comfortable within your own personality than to potentially open yourself up for scrutiny. Certainly express your knowledge on the subject as that can only benefit others but generally I would avoid talking too much about your personality with work collegues. Thats my experience at least.

I have a similar question regarding applying for a new job, should I disclose that I have AS because if I do I am possibly suggesting having AS will effect my ability to do the job, in which case should I be applying for it at all?

For me these are complex issues and unfortunately the only way to know is tell people and wait for their response!

Ah, I think there is something seriously wrong with our society when we feel we have to worry about disclosing our condition. It's almost as if we talking about leprosy or aids.