Discrimination against Aspies

Post Reply New Topic

Hi all,

I started this thread after speaking with another Aspie about work discrimination, I have yet to be formally diagnosed, and so this is uncharted territories for me. It would be nice to know, as if it is a real issue, I would think twice about getting a diagnoses.

The person whom I spoke with told me that in their country, the laws require them to disclose that they have Aspergers. Apparently the government keeps a record as well, which I assume potential employers can access. He says it has been impossible for him to find work; so much so, he's considering moving to a different country.

I wanted to know what everyone's thoughts are on this. If you could also mention what country you live in as well, that would be helpful. The Aspie I spoke with lives in New Zealand, and I live in Australia.

Thanks
Hart

I've never heard of any such law before.

I live in Canada.

I don't have a formal diagnosis, but even if I did I think I'd always stick to the general consensus on these forums... don't disclose it unless you absolutely have to for some reason, it can pretty much only come back to bite you in the ass.

I can see how such a law could make it very difficult to get any sort of meaningful employment, though. Here, even with an official diagnosis, there's no obligation to tell anyone. Also, while they're few and far between, there are employers who have posted ads specifically seeking employees that are on the spectrum. One is a cafe that's built their business as being a place known for employing Autistics. Another that was in the news a couple months ago is German software giant SAP, they're looking for Aspies with a special interest in debugging code to work in their offices here in Vancouver as well as at other locations around the world because they recognize the value that someone on the spectrum with a special interest in the boring (to me) stuff they do can provide for their business' bottom line.

If I lived somewhere where that was the law and it screwed me out of being able to get a job I'd consider moving, too.

_________________
No for supporting trump. Because doing so is deplorable.

In the USA, if your disability isn't obvious (e.g., in a wheelchair), the employer doesn't have to accommodate unless the employer is informed, and you DO NOT have to inform an employer you have a disability at the time of employment. Indeed, they are not allowed to ask about specific disability with the limit of their questioning being, "Do you have a condition which would prevent you from performing the essential functions of this position even with reasonable accommodation?"

Obviously, if you still can't do the job if they made reasonable accommodations, you can't do the job. In the US, "reasonable accommodation" is not defined. It depends on the resources of the employer and the cost/extent of the accommodation requested. Hence, IBM and Apple would be expected to do a lot more than a small construction company with only 50 people. Asking for a wheelchair ramp would be very reasonable as compared to asking that a whole shop be retooled because you need all the workstations lowered so you could work from your chair.

In the US, it is more up to the disabled person to learn to adapt to any typical work environment and have the needs to adapt already in place. This expands their options in finding employment. There are some organizations that try to match disabled people to employers willing to hire the disabled and invest money into making a workstation suitable for them (often with some financial help from the program itself).

I live in Australia. I do not disclose my diagnosis and am not required to. I'd be very surprised if Kiwis really are required to disclose...interesting...

Hmm, it's the first case I've heard of myself so far, but then I have only spoken to a few people from around this part of the globe.

While I'm in Scotland, other side of the world, only last year we had a visit from NZ aspie activist Matt Frost encouraging the development of our autism network for inputting into policy. He certainly never told us it was used as a block to employment: he was supposed to be a visible example of an aspie making it.

Keen to pass this on to your NZ contact as a possible help route to raise it with. Have they tried him? Can you pass on these links? Googling I found this page http://www.beaccessible.org.nz/be-leadership/faqs with addresses where they might enquire about reaching him. Or have they tried Autism New Zealand, his report on his visit to us in on their site? http://www.autismnz.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/31021/M_Frost_Report_on_visit_to_Scotland_May_2012.pdf

im going to throw the subject in a different direction, like I always do. it amazes me to see all the problems in society with narcissistic corporate unethical behavior, and bullying in the workplace. because of these facts, why would ANYONE have more of a problem hiring an aspie, verses some (nomal) NT with a pathological disorder??? I already know why I can't keep a job. it's the people. I am totally under the impression that most employers want to hire co-dependants, liars, and bullies. what could be more profitable than slavery, and lying to make money anyways??? OOH... projection transference and control... didn't see that one coming??? tell me another story!! ! yep, I'm the problem. better call human resources. im not a precious commodity anymore.