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I feel unsure about disclosing my neurodiversity on job applications
Amy22
Posts: 4,795 The Mix Elder
So it's been a while since I reached out for help on here. I dont really need help I guess I kind of need some advice and to see what others think as well. Currently I am unemployed and have been currently seeking employment and applying for various jobs. The dream job for me is working in the TV and film industry but due to how the industry is going at the moment my dream seems impossible and closed off for now. However its not stopping me from applying to companies despite there not being many shows being made and a lot of deemployment too. I even applied for regular jobs in my local town but they never get back to me and all I get is some kind of radio silence. So I'm left in the dark wondering if I was successful or not. Sometimes I email back and all I get is unsuccessful so I ask for feedback but guess what they never provide any. I can understand that most recruitment teams are quite small and they have to sort out thousands of applicants I know that feeling myself when working on a short film with a friend and helping to cast it too. It's difficult but I hate being left in the dark not knowing where am I with an application or what stage I am on. What I find and this is generally why I am writing this is because most job applications ask for your disabilities or conditions that impact you working. I normally state that I am neurodiverse. But I am worried that if I say on applications that yes I am neurodiverse and have a disability the company feels scared to employ me eventhough they don't need to be, they can just ask me. I know by law companies have to provide reasonable adjustments for their employees. But sometimes when I have been working in the past I feel like companies pity us neurodivergent folk and use as a form of tick boxing us to prove that they are disability inclusive and friendly even though they are doing the complete opposite. I am not a bloody tick box at the end of the day, I'm a human being. Yes I have a disability and this does impact how I work but I can work and I want to work. 
sorry for the long rant if you have made it this far I congratulate you. I just feel lost.
sorry for the long rant if you have made it this far I congratulate you. I just feel lost. Just a person who likes pop culture and films
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Comments
It's a difficult one - on the one hand, you want to feel able to let a company know about neurodiversity/disability so that they can accommodate for you as you need; on the other hand, the job market is really competitive and if it's going to make it harder for you to get the role you want, it might be worth not mentioning it to boost your chances.
In practice, people take varying positions (even between different job applications!):
- Some people will state it upfront so that they only need to spend their time applying for roles at inclusive companies, since the less inclusive ones would reject anyways.
- Some people don't disclose it until they've got the job secured because the company would still need to make reasonable adjustments anyway.
- Some will mention it during the application process only if they need a specific adjustment (e.g. interviews/assessment centres).
- Some will never mention it at all due to fear of unfair treatment.
Different companies have varying levels of inclusivity support, and it's worth looking into companies to see whether they've got demonstrated support for people with disabilities or neurodivergence.
Ultimately, whether you decide whether to disclose this information and when you do so is a personal decision - what you feel is right and what you're comfortable with. You're absolutely right - you're not simply there to tick a box. You have skills and knowledge to contribute in a meaningful way
What do you think about the above? What do you feel is right/comfortable for you to do? We're here to support you
Yoy decide and it may be you disclose at different stagrx depending on the role. I sometimes right from start on the application form , others before interview or others after.
So true! We are not a tick box !! I got emoloyeed by a place seemed lije yes, supporting at first had a 121 meeting abd plan out in place for start but then afterwards when it cane to a issue or even the tiniest things I was pulled right down, even if I'd already mentioned it. Ie: was 5min late due to disability, needing information, or just easily altered duties " we can't do that, you do what we say" "why you late for " "oh well thst need of yours is a peoblem then"
After a year I left!! I couldn't out up with it and now glad to found somewhere genuinely supportive!! There will be a place. Remember its important your valued abs supported if your not, they're not worth you!!
Thank you so so much. It's just finding an inclusive employer is very tough right now especially as someone with autism and adhd and I find some companies get scared of employing us because they feel like they may not be that inclusive but they then pretend to be. Im sorry to hear that happened to you as well, that sounds super difficult and tough right now. Things are slightly looking up though for me as I speak as I recently applied for a job with Whsmiths and I had a message the other day from the manager who wants to chat to me about their seasonal role on Friday. This could potentially be it. Ideally I dont really want work in retail, however its experience for my cv and its money and I got to live as well too (my dream job is the tv industry but the jobs there are on a fixed term contract and its not very steady either), this is something to do until I find my foot in the tv and film industry door again
It Is tough I know!! I have autism as well.
Let's hope that goes well for you. Even if it isn't what you like sometimes it's just experience and self esteem wise that you are working somewhere good. Hopefully you'll be able to get your foot into the tv industry soon.