Should I Tell Others I Am On The Autism Spectrum -- And If So, How?

Oct. 23, 2008 -- Question: Should I tell others I am on the autism spectrum -- and if so, how?

Answer: Having a diagnosis of autism or of autism spectrum disorder is personal information. So you should definitely be careful when you share any type of personal information. It is okay in some circumstances to tell your boss that you have an autism spectrum disorder, because they can assist you on the job as needed when they have that information. It's also okay to tell close friends and close family members if you feel comfortable doing so.

If you have any doubts about whether to tell someone, you should definitely ask a parent, a family member, or a trusted friend before doing so.