The Employment Disclosure Document-A Report on the Development of a Self-Advocacy Tool for Adults with an Autism Spectrum Condition in the Workplace

There is limited research into the experiences of adults who have an autism spectrum condition (ASC) disclosing their condition to an employer. This project (submitted as a Master's level dissertation, 2015) explored the... [ view full abstract ]

There is limited research into the experiences of adults who have an autism spectrum condition (ASC) disclosing their condition to an employer. This project (submitted as a Master's level dissertation, 2015) explored the development of an "Employment Disclosure Document" (EDD). The EDD has been designed by the presenter, as a ‘self-advocacy tool’ that can be used by employee’s who have been newly diagnosed with ASD, to inform their employer about their condition. The document utilises information, gathered in the course of clinical assessment for ASD, to create a tailored EDD. This is produced collaboratively between the clinican and the newly diagnosed adult to be used in their workplace. This form of postdiagnostic support provides a meaningful purpose and outcome to diagnosis. A sample of 10 EDD's were critically appraised against current literature, relating to adults with Asperger’s syndrome; their experiences of employment and the potential barriers to disclosing a disability in the workplace.
Rationale: In order to achieve neurodiversity in the workplace, people with ASC may benefit from the opportunity to declare their condition and communicate the strengths of a different way of thinking to an employer. The self advocacy tool is a means of communicating the person's insights, strengths and challenges at work and suggestions for reasonable adjustments that best work for them, to optimise their abilities at work.
Outcome: The EDD has enabled service users to maintain positions which had become insecure , reduce mental health issues and one to become a workplace champion in a global company!