Communication is being misunderstood
You may need more direct language, written instructions or clear feedback.
Disclosure with boundaries
Autism Disclosure at Work UK
Sharing that you are autistic at work can be useful when it leads to clearer communication, sensory support, predictability or reasonable adjustments. It should not require you to over-explain yourself.
The aim is not exposure. The aim is better understanding and practical support.
Communication is being misunderstood
You may need more direct language, written instructions or clear feedback.
Sensory barriers affect work
You may need changes to workspace, lighting, noise or hot-desking.
Change is difficult without notice
You may need earlier information and clearer transition plans.
Start here
When disclosure may help
Sensory barriers affect work
You may need changes to workspace, lighting, noise or hot-desking.
Change is difficult without notice
You may need earlier information and clearer transition plans.
Social expectations create pressure
You may need clearer meeting roles or reduced forced social participation.
Support needs to be recorded
A passport or adjustment record may reduce repeated disclosure.
Purpose
What disclosure can and cannot do
Disclosure can help others understand access needs, communication preferences and workplace barriers. It can also open a route to reasonable adjustments.
But disclosure does not guarantee understanding. It should be supported by clear language, sharing boundaries and a practical plan for what happens next.
Suggested wording
Suggested wording
I would like to share that I am autistic because there are some workplace barriers that affect how I work. The main barriers are [briefly describe communication, sensory, change, meeting or environment barriers]. The support that may help is [describe practical adjustments]. I would like to agree who needs to know, how this information will be used and when support should be reviewed.
Keep the focus on workplace support needed.
Credibility and support
Calling All Minds, NAS listing and AXS Passport
Calling All Minds is listed in the National Autistic Society Autism Services Directory for workplace neurodiversity support.
Calling All Minds can also support Access to Work, DSA, coaching, workplace needs assessments and assistive technology. AXS Passport can help preserve access needs and sharing preferences.
Disclosure support
Turn disclosure into practical support
Calling All Minds helps people and organisations move from difficult conversations to clearer workplace support.
Useful connected guidance
These pages give more context and connect this guide to practical support.
Autism at workRead autism workplace guidance.Open guidanceReasonable adjustments for autismVisit AXS Passport guidance.Open guidanceNational Autistic Society CAM listingView the NAS directory listing.Open guidanceAccess to Work autismRead Access to Work autism guidance.Open guidanceAXS PassportVisit AXS Passport.Open guidanceReasonable adjustments and the Equality ActRead reasonable adjustments guidance.Open guidance
Questions people often ask
Short answers, written in plain language.
Do I have to tell my employer I am autistic?
You do not have to share everything, but disclosure may help if you need support, adjustments or clearer understanding.
What should I say when disclosing autism at work?
Focus on the barriers you face, what support may help, who needs to know and how the information should be used.
Can I ask for autism-related adjustments?
Yes. You can ask for reasonable adjustments where workplace barriers affect access or participation.
Can disclosure reduce repeated explanation?
It can help, especially if support needs are recorded clearly and shared appropriately.
Can Access to Work help?
Access to Work may help with workplace support where eligible.
How does AXS Passport help?
AXS Passport can help record access needs, sharing preferences and review points.