There has been research on this topic, and disclosing autism is a choice and different for everyone. Many autistic adults struggle to tell others about their autism diagnosis, and this is for many reasons, such as worrying about the reaction of others. Many autistic adults can experience stigma when disclosing their diagnosis and fear that their work colleagues will behave negatively towards them. This is because they have been diagnosed later in life and the people around them have already created a perception or an image of them not being autistic.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Some autistic adults want to separate themselves from their autism, and others want to embrace it. Everyone is unique, and some disclose because it can be beneficial as they feel “people might understand them better”.

When autistic individuals disclose their autism, they often feel that they don’t have to continue camouflaging their traits and can finally be themselves.

My reasons for disclosing my autism

Most people around me have been very supportive when I told them. There has been little stigma. Friends, colleagues and family have improved their understanding of me and have had empathy. In many ways, it has strengthened my relationships, removed boundaries, and I have accepted myself because when I discovered I was autistic, it was a shock after all this time.

I can comfortably raise awareness about autism, and people understand my reasons for doing it. I can be who I am supposed to be without having to mask or camouflage my traits.

Having autism and not knowing about it never benefitted me anyway, so what is the point of continuing to keep it to myself? Others can recognise that I have challenges, but also strengths. I have differences, but I am not flawed.

Conclusion

It has been a long journey. I have spent years overcoming difficulties without getting support or being given direction. The truth is, everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but it makes life more challenging when you have a neurodiversity. However, I have found a place in the world, and I hope to keep moving forward and improve. I do not know what the future is or where this path will take me, but if I can leave something behind as a journal that can help others in the same position, so they do not feel so alone.

You may also like:

myautismlife.com: why I write this blog

Sources and Further Reading:

Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Diagnosis Disclosure – PubMed

Disclosing an autism diagnosis: A social identity approach – PubMed

“People Might Understand Me Better”: Diagnostic Disclosure Experiences of Autistic Individuals in the Workplace – Research Explorer The University of Manchester

Article | Understanding the Relationships Between Autistic Identity, Disclosure, and Camouflaging | University of Stirling