Should Adults with Autism Disclose Their Diagnosis to Employers?

PostedNovember 7, 2025

UpdatedNovember 7, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Deciding whether to disclose autism to employers is a personal decision that can have significant implications for an individual’s career. For some, sharing their autism diagnosis can lead to better support, while others may worry about stigma or discrimination. Ultimately, it depends on the work environment and personal preferences.

Benefits of Disclosing Autism to Employers

Disclosing an autism diagnosis can offer various benefits, such as:

Workplace Support:

Disclosing may lead to employment rights and reasonable accommodation, like a quieter workspace or flexible hours. These adjustments can significantly improve productivity and reduce stress for individuals on the neurodiversity spectrum.

Increased Understanding:

Sharing your diagnosis with your employer can foster better understanding of your needs. Colleagues and supervisors may be more accommodating, creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Legal Protections:

Rights of employees ensure that employees with disabilities are not discriminated against. This protection can give employees the confidence to pursue career advancement without fear of unfair treatment.

However, not all workplaces are equipped to provide support for neurodivergence, and disclosure might lead to unanticipated challenges. For some, maintaining privacy can be a safer choice, especially in less inclusive environments.

Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits of support from the workplace against personal comfort levels by disclosing sensitive information.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personalised guidance on these concerns.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to late diagnosis in adults.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.