Aspies For Freedom

I'm thinking of getting a job sometime next month, and I'm deciding whether or not I should disclose the fact that I have High-Functioning Autism.  My dad seems to think it's a good idea, but I am strongly against it.  It's just something that I think should be kept private.  My question is, am I legally obligated to mention HFA on my resume?  I know I am just as capable of being a good employee as an NT, and I don't want to ruin my chances of getting or keeping a job by disclosing my HFA.

You are in Canada yes (?) so I don't know. In the UK you only need to declare a disability if you are asked specifically to do so ( on the application form or at a medical ). I would judge the situation carefully. If AS is going to be a problem for you in the job it may also be a problem for the employer one which ( in the UK ) they are obliged to deal with, but they are not obliged to employ you in the first place. Unless you have to mention it, I wouldn't, as you say you are just as good a potential employee as an NT. Sell yourself on your positive skills.

Then don't disclose it. You shouldn't have to tell anyone to save your own self in anyway, because that never works...EVER. Your father thinks it's a good idea? That's his oppinion, and nothing else. He's not in your shoes at this point, and you know better then anyone else what your able to do.

Changes are, is that if they make it that harsh to get into the job, it's going to very likely be more of a hell hole on the inside!

Thanks for the advice. I won't mention it on my resume then.

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I'd also add that generally from my experience it takes at least 3-6 months for someone to fully intergrate into a new job and AS may mean that integration takes longer. So don't give up if it feels 'too much'. Experience is everything in work. Plus AS will give you some advantages so make the most of them.

I go a step beyond non-disclosure.  I don't know what the situation is in the Great White North, but here South o' the Border I've been seeing Baron-Cohen questions (I think I've even spotted some MMPI questions) showing up on job applications.  My experience has been that you have to answer them "correctly" just to get an interview.

Thats true, it's best to give the answer you think the employer wants , rather than saying what you really think.

Oh God! The personality tests aren't enough trouble for our kind already? They just have to add another stumbling block in the way don't they.