Adults on the Autism Spectrum: Self-Disclosure

"Self-disclosure" means deciding whether or not to tell someone that you have a disability. Often it is confusing when trying to decide if you should tell or not. In the book Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum, Ruth Elaine Joyner Hane (an adult who experiences autism) explains her process of determining when to tell and when not to tell. She says you should share information about yourself if:

1 - it will be helpful to your relationship

2 - it is important for safety

3 - it is essential to your employment

She goes on to explain that if she is having an "autistic day", it means that she is very sensitive to sensory triggers:

 "If it is a stranger, I tell only what is necessary, 'Sorry, too noisy for me.' When I know a person fairly well and the music is too loud I say 'Could we turn down the volume? With my autism I can process a conversation better without the loud music" (p. 28) 

 Ultimately you are the one who decides whether or not to tell, but remember that if you need any special accommodations to help you in your job or at school you should tell. Learning to express your needs and manage issues surrounding your disability is an important part of being an independent, self-advocating adult.