<p>I'm about to graduate college soon and will be looking for a job at an airport. I already worked at a cargo facility in an office at a major airport last summer as a summer job and will most likely be going to work for them again after graduation. My question is if I look for a different job after working some time at my old job again. Would you guys recommend I disclose my learning disability and high functioning autism to an employer? My aviation professor and my disability counselor recommend that I do disclose because it will make the employer more understanding of me and may make reasonable accommodations. My parents on the other hand, told me it most likely may not be a good idea, especially my dad, because if an employer had to choose between 2 people equally qualified, they would choose the one that is a normal person, not the one with a disability. And most likely, an employer would not care if I had a disability or not, that employer has to run a business.</p>
<p>What do you think? Should I disclose or not disclose? </p>
<p>I hate to say this, but your parents are correct and the workforce is just as discriminating and curls as high school. I have been dealing with this same issues for almost 20 years. At one job, after a few years, I accidentally revealed my LD/HFA and I was then humiliated and discriminated for the next 4 years by bosses and coworkers. Even little mistakes became huge issues, but if it was anyone else they wouldn’t have been an issues at all. Because of this, there is added pressures and you may find yourself under a LOT more stress then necessary. At my next couple jobs I was just “a bad speller” and “need to slow down to avoid stupid mistakes”. </p>
<p>You’re going to find that even the people you think you can share your secret with, the buddy coworkers/friends, are going to be the ones that hint to others. They will “accidentally” reveal to others and next thing you know people are talking about you behind your back. I’m someone that is very open and honest, so I’m not one to have any secrets, but I learned my lesson. </p>
<p>Again, I know this isn’t where most people think we are in society, but unfortunately I suggest you get good at hiding it. Spellcheck, google, and a vocal reading assistance (reads your emails and documents out loud, I used earphones at work) will assist you. Find whatever tools you can to assist with your confidence and you’ll do just great!</p>
<p>I would not openly share your situation except with human resources to request an accommodation after obtaining the job. Some interviewers may ask if you would require an accommodation, and you can discuss possible accommodations needed without explicitly discussing the underlying reasons (and employers may not pry into your disabilities in an interview). Some people may be understanding, but the need to fill the position with the best applicant can supersede any sympathetic feelings they may have toward your situation. That’s where stereotyping and discrimination can come into play. </p>