Do I have to tell people I have autism in my life?

[Anonymous]

1 year of highschool i was working at this convenience store
there was a woman in her 60s working there as well.

one day she was telling me she thought the store manager had autism
because he would forget the days she needed off.

i told her i had autism but i don't tell people many people.
she said i should when i said i don't think its any ones business she give me a weird look & said ok its your life.

i have told some people at my last job & they were mean to me. i
dont think i'm going to tell people anyone about it screw them.

[Oliverlogan263]

Man, that sucks that lady gave you a weird look about not telling everyone. Like it's none of her business really.

I usually don't tell people about having autism either unless I absolutely have to. Got tired of the way some folks would treat me different or make dumb jokes once they knew.

Your private medical stuff is between you and whoever you want to share it with, fuck what anyone else thinks. That lady would probably freak if you asked her to share all her diagnosis's with the whole store too.

Plus people will just see you for you once they get to know you better. They don't need a label. If they wanna be buttholes just 'cause you process stuff different, then screw 'em. Not worth stressing over their opinion.

Just do your job well and be cool to work with, that's all that should matter, right? Don’t let people shame you into sharing personal details. Your call what you share about yourself man.

[Asker]

the woman was years ago when i was in highschool

[Oliverlogan263]

Ah I gotcha, my bad for the confusion. Well look, the point still stands - whether it's coworkers now or that lady back in high school, you don't owe anyone an explanation about your autism. That was a long time ago, so don't even sweat what she thought. Like you said, as long as it's not impacting your job then it's really no one else's business. And if they're gonna be assholes about it like at that last job, then screw 'em - save yourself the trouble.

You know yourself better than anyone. If keeping it private works best for you and your situation, then do your thing. Don't second guess that just cuz some random person from the past gave you a look. You got this man! Just focus on doin you and being your best self, everyone else can kick rocks if they don't like it. Keep killin it out there.

[Abbycado]

That's your business and no one else's. You tell who you want to tell.

[Asker]

thats how i always thought as well. it just struck me weird back in highschool what my coworker said.

[Abbycado]

Yeah, weird for sure. Also none of her business who you tell.

[jahaims]

I don't tell people irl outside of my circle. Most humans are too stupid to listen or learn about autism and end up making ignorant assumptions.