- You don't have to tell your employer you're autistic.
- If you want changes at work, you can ask for them. In the US, these are called reasonable accommodations.
- The ADA protects this at employers with 15 or more employees. Many state laws cover smaller employers too.
- You don't need special legal words. Asking in writing, in plain language, is enough to start.
- Many accommodations cost little or nothing: headphones, written instructions, fewer surprise meetings.
Should I tell work?
There is no right answer. It depends on your job, your manager, and what you need. These are the three common choices.
| Good if | Keep in mind | |
|---|---|---|
| Don't tell anyone | Work is going fine, or you want time to settle first. | Without a request, your employer has no duty to make changes. |
| Ask for changes, share only what's needed | You want specific changes but not a conversation about autism. | You can say "a medical condition." Your employer may ask for a note from a provider confirming it. |
| Tell your manager or HR | You trust them, or explaining would make daily work easier. | Once shared, you can't take it back. Medical information you give must be kept confidential. |
You can also wait and decide later. Some people ask for one small change first and see how it goes.
What you can ask for
These are common accommodations for autistic employees, based on the Job Accommodation Network's lists. Pick the ones that match what's hardest for you.
Noise and light
- Noise-canceling headphones
- A quieter desk or room
- Different lighting or a screen filter
Communication
- Instructions in writing
- Meeting agendas ahead of time
- Email or chat instead of calls when possible
Time and planning
- Checklists and written priorities
- Extra time to learn new tasks
- A flexible schedule
Energy and change
- Advance notice of changes
- Short breaks to recover
- Working from home some days
Tip: if you made a card in Your manual, it already lists what helps you. Use it to choose.
How to ask
- 1
Pick 1 to 3 changes
Start with what would help most. A short, specific list is easier to say yes to.
- 2
Put it in writing
An email to your manager or HR. It creates a record and saves you from explaining out loud. There's a sample below.
- 3
Expect a conversation
Your employer may ask questions or suggest other options. This back-and-forth is normal and expected under the ADA.
- 4
Have documentation ready
They may ask for a note from a doctor or psychologist. The recommendations in your assessment report are useful here.
- 5
Keep copies
Save your emails and their answers, with dates.
A request you can send
Change the parts in brackets. This version doesn't mention autism. You can add it if you want to.
Hi [name], I'm writing to request a workplace accommodation for a medical condition. These changes would help me do my best work: 1. [For example: written instructions for new tasks] 2. [For example: meeting agendas sent the day before] 3. [For example: noise-canceling headphones at my desk] I'm happy to talk about other options that would work for the team. Please let me know if you need anything from me to move forward. Thank you, [your name]
If it goes wrong
- Get free advice. The Job Accommodation Network answers questions about accommodations for free, by phone, chat, or email.
- Know there are deadlines. If you believe you were treated unfairly, complaints to the EEOC usually must be filed within 180 days, or 300 days in many states.
- Talk to someone qualified. For legal questions about your situation, an employment lawyer or your state's disability rights organization can help.
Where this comes from
- Job Accommodation Network (askjan.org), accommodation ideas for autistic employees.
- Americans with Disabilities Act, Title I, and EEOC guidance on reasonable accommodation.
Information, not legal advice. Laws differ outside the US and between states.