Are there people in your life that you don't want to know that you have asperger's?

[Fierce Badger]

I have this fear about telling the people I work with that I have asperger's syndrome.

The reason for this is that I don't want the managers to know about it. I work as an EMT on an ambulance. I'm afraid that they'll learn about aspies having problems with focusing on multiple details at one time, sensory overload, and social awkwardness and will fire me because of it. I've been doing this for almost two years and have gotten pretty good at it for the most part. Most people at work think I'm socially odd but like me nonetheless.

I struggle with labeling myself as an aspie. I want people to see me as me, not "that autistic guy." I really want people to see that I am not asperger's syndrome, I am a unique person who happens to have asperger's syndrome. Does anyone else struggle with this fear?

 

[LifebyChrist]

Yes everyone has problems and some people might have spiritual problems and some can show up physically or be alot of things.

If you can get the job done and no one really puts you in the spotlight why tell them? If you want to tell them you can but if no one really notices then just don't label yourself. You are a functioning person who does your job well, you are a normal person

 

[dayhiker]

I've told some and not told others. I have no problem if its apparent that it fits into the conversation. But the last couple of years I've not volentered as often as I used to.

 

[C-Man]

The best you can do is evaluate whether telling them will profit either you or them. If not, then you have no need to. Let them judge you on your other merits.

 

[Autocannibal]

I generally don't tell unless I know the person well.

Them knowing can be a good thing if they interact with you often and know you well enough, as it can give them a better idea of how to interact with you.

It can be a bad thing if they don't know you well enough, causing them to make judgements about you or put you in certain boxes. The two main negatives I've experienced are

a) Judgement - you're someone they don't want too close to them
b) Enabling (they don't want to help you figure out the social norms because they feel it's politically incorrect to do so)

It is just a label - it can be used for informative purposes but isn't necessary to know who you are.

I actually have the hardest time telling Christians about it because I perceive that social skills are more valued in Christian circles than others.

 

[Standing_Ultraviolet]

I tell most of my friends about it at some point, usually because it comes up in conversation. I wouldn't lie to someone about it, though, if they just happened to want to know. I mean, it's not like it's anything I'm ashamed of. If people think less of me because of it, then I just have to prove them wrong

 

[dayhiker]

great attitude, wolf.

 

[ThePurpleFlower]

I rarely tell anyone I have AS, per se. I'll use the words "introvert" or "I'm a thinker more than a feeler." That gives my behavior some leeway. Plus, I do put a lot of energy in maintaining a fairly normal facade. One thing I do have to tell people is issues with loud noises and also my synethaesia, because otherwise, well, they'll notice. My eyes often drift around space-ily because of the sensory overload. However, AS---no. And I doubt anyone would believe me anyway. People like to go for the easiest explanation. It makes life less complicated.
It is weird to hear them say "oh, have you heard about this new autism thing?" or "Aspergers...I wonder what that's like...can you imagine?" Have to just give an little laugh and shake it off.

 

[amberzak]

I haven't told my work. I work in a school, and the psychiatrist I saw told me that having an official diagnoses may cause me problems getting jobs as a teacher.