If You Have A Hidden Disability Or Learning Difficulty Do You Disclose It?
Have you ever been lucky enough to get an interview for a job you really want? Are you worried about disclosing AD(H)D, dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism or another similarly hidden difference at a Job Interview?
Do you worry that they will only see you as being disabled by your differences after you tell them?
Many people struggle with this question. I've been there many times myself. Should I tell them? Shouldn't I tell them? If I do bring it up will it put them off giving me the job? At what stage do I have to tell them? How do I explain my differences in a positive way? If I don't tell them and they test me on something without taking my differences into account, will I fail to perform at my best and not get the job? Man, just thinking about this stuff hurts my head.
Do you worry that they will only see you as being disabled by your differences after you tell them?
Many people struggle with this question. I've been there many times myself. Should I tell them? Shouldn't I tell them? If I do bring it up will it put them off giving me the job? At what stage do I have to tell them? How do I explain my differences in a positive way? If I don't tell them and they test me on something without taking my differences into account, will I fail to perform at my best and not get the job? Man, just thinking about this stuff hurts my head.
The Difficulty With 'Hidden' Conditions and Disabilities
The problem with having a hidden impairment or difference is that we have to bring it up ourselves if we want people to take them into account. When our differences are accounted for employers really can be blown away by the outcomes, so much so that certain industries now seek people with specific neurodiverse traits. Thing is, more often than not, a prospective employer won't know what your potential is unless you tell them honestly about your strengths and weaknesses. It's up to us to paint the full picture.
Choosing to keep your difference hidden is an option which many do choose. If you do this the employer will not be expected to make any allowances or alterations for you as they couldn’t possibly know what your barriers are. It could also be fraudulent to not put that information on a medical form if asked!
This question is one I've struggled with many times. So after considering the pros and cons for my own situation, I have decided to always disclose my differences. I cannot tell you what to do but I would strongly advise you to also tell them about your differences if it's going to affect your ability to do any aspect of the job you are applying for but whenever possible, do it in a way where you are in control.
Choosing to keep your difference hidden is an option which many do choose. If you do this the employer will not be expected to make any allowances or alterations for you as they couldn’t possibly know what your barriers are. It could also be fraudulent to not put that information on a medical form if asked!
This question is one I've struggled with many times. So after considering the pros and cons for my own situation, I have decided to always disclose my differences. I cannot tell you what to do but I would strongly advise you to also tell them about your differences if it's going to affect your ability to do any aspect of the job you are applying for but whenever possible, do it in a way where you are in control.
How Are You Meant To Bring It Up?
If you are going to a job interview for a job you really want and have decided that you will tell the interviewer about your differences but don't know how to approach it then this blog is just for you.
These are my hints and tips on how to convey your different needs to an employer while ensuring they are left with a great impression of you.
These are my hints and tips on how to convey your different needs to an employer while ensuring they are left with a great impression of you.
Tip One: Bring It Up Yourself In A Positive Way
Assume the person you're speaking to has never heard of the term for your specific neurodiverse difference before. Forget what most people know or think they know about the diagnostic label and bring it up by focusing positively on how your neurodiverse qualities help you to achieve good results.
Examples of how to bring it up positively:
'I think I get an advantage because of my neurodiverse nature, I am naturally creative and have an ability to see the big picture straight away, because of this, I often see details that others miss.'
'I get a huge benefit from being neurodiverse because it really gives me the ability to focus 100% on the task at hand and this means my work is always of the highest standard.'
'I'm really lucky that because of my neurodiverse differences I enjoy taking on really tough challenges and projects that others tend to shy away from.'
Examples of how to bring it up positively:
'I think I get an advantage because of my neurodiverse nature, I am naturally creative and have an ability to see the big picture straight away, because of this, I often see details that others miss.'
'I get a huge benefit from being neurodiverse because it really gives me the ability to focus 100% on the task at hand and this means my work is always of the highest standard.'
'I'm really lucky that because of my neurodiverse differences I enjoy taking on really tough challenges and projects that others tend to shy away from.'
Tip Two: Don'T Be Afraid To Mention Your Individual Diagnoses
Once you have these prospective employers hearing about the positives that you personally benefit from because of your 'neurodiverse' nature, you can then easily mention the individual diagnostic labels if you want to elaborate further.
I find that once people accept that I have benefits attached to the way my brain is wired it becomes much easier for me to talk about the individual aspects and diagnoses. I usually find people are more able to get a rounded view of my abilities on the whole when approached this way around.
I find that once people accept that I have benefits attached to the way my brain is wired it becomes much easier for me to talk about the individual aspects and diagnoses. I usually find people are more able to get a rounded view of my abilities on the whole when approached this way around.
Tip Three: If You Have 'Disorders' Or 'Deficits'
If for example, you have attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder or a similarly negative sounding difference then I would recommend you use the abbreviation so that the employers is informed about the specifics of your diagnosis without being bombarded with words like 'deficit' and 'disorder'.
Words like this can create a bad impression of your overall ability. You are telling them what you have been diagnosed with by just giving the abbreviation, so you are not trying to deceive anyone but at an interview your job is to both be honest and to sell yourself.
Instead of referring to yourself as having a disorder try referring to it as a 'difference' so ADD can be described as a 'difference in attention' rather than a deficit or disorder. This will probably help you to stay positive while describing and discussing the difference with them.
Words like this can create a bad impression of your overall ability. You are telling them what you have been diagnosed with by just giving the abbreviation, so you are not trying to deceive anyone but at an interview your job is to both be honest and to sell yourself.
Instead of referring to yourself as having a disorder try referring to it as a 'difference' so ADD can be described as a 'difference in attention' rather than a deficit or disorder. This will probably help you to stay positive while describing and discussing the difference with them.
Tip Four: Watch Your Language Generally
Remember, you are trying to sell yourself so don't use negative words if you can help it. Try to get used to saying 'difference' to replace most 'disorders', 'deficits' and 'conditions'. Use 'typical' instead of 'normal' and never tell them there is something 'wrong' with the way your brain works. Even if you spent most of your adult life thinking that!
If your like me and have a number of diagnosed differences or one with other overlapping differences then you can use the term Neurodiverse.
There are less negative connotations around it and are more descriptive of our co-occurring or overlapping differences. I find it easier to discuss my dyslexic, dyspraxic ADHD or Autistic traits by first using the neurodiverse umbrella term.
You can explain that being neurodiverse means that some things that neuro-'typical' people find simple for you can be remarkably hard but things 'typical' people find really hard are quite often a walk in the park for you.
Explain that your brain works differently to 'typical' brains. *Remember that's a good thing because diversity helps all Eco-systems to flourish and with the right strategies in place your differences could be what makes the business great.
If your like me and have a number of diagnosed differences or one with other overlapping differences then you can use the term Neurodiverse.
There are less negative connotations around it and are more descriptive of our co-occurring or overlapping differences. I find it easier to discuss my dyslexic, dyspraxic ADHD or Autistic traits by first using the neurodiverse umbrella term.
You can explain that being neurodiverse means that some things that neuro-'typical' people find simple for you can be remarkably hard but things 'typical' people find really hard are quite often a walk in the park for you.
Explain that your brain works differently to 'typical' brains. *Remember that's a good thing because diversity helps all Eco-systems to flourish and with the right strategies in place your differences could be what makes the business great.
Tip Five: Talk About The Neurodiverse Role-Models
If the prospective employer is interested in the way you describe your neurodiverse traits tell them about the many neurodiverse role models out there who might have inspired you. The list of people who have been reported as having neurodiverse differences is huge. It includes:
Albert Einstein, Thomas Eddison, Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, John Nash, Bill Gates, Agatha Christie, Richard Branson and even Winston Churchill are amongst the people to have been identified as having Neuro-diverse differences.
Many neurodiverse people who have had major successes in their life attribute at least part of their success to their neurodiverse traits.
I personally think it's what gives them the spark, I mean can you really see Jim Carrey performing the way he does without ADHD? Or Sir Richard Branson achieving all he has achieved if he didn't have that creative vision that comes with dyslexia?
Albert Einstein, Thomas Eddison, Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, John Nash, Bill Gates, Agatha Christie, Richard Branson and even Winston Churchill are amongst the people to have been identified as having Neuro-diverse differences.
Many neurodiverse people who have had major successes in their life attribute at least part of their success to their neurodiverse traits.
I personally think it's what gives them the spark, I mean can you really see Jim Carrey performing the way he does without ADHD? Or Sir Richard Branson achieving all he has achieved if he didn't have that creative vision that comes with dyslexia?
Tip Six: An Essential Fact To Bear In Mind
Different Employers Want Different Types Of People, For Different Roles.
If the employer wants a Neuro-typical employee who can reliably work to a minimum, consistent standard then that is fine, some jobs are more suited to this type of employee but between you and me, that job probably wouldn't suit you anyway. If on the other hand they want someone who thinks outside of the box and they don't see the difference as a problem. They will most likely be more than willing to adapt the job role to work to your strengths. The employer that wants the right person for the job won't be put off by your having a few differences so don't worry about mentioning them!
If the employer wants a Neuro-typical employee who can reliably work to a minimum, consistent standard then that is fine, some jobs are more suited to this type of employee but between you and me, that job probably wouldn't suit you anyway. If on the other hand they want someone who thinks outside of the box and they don't see the difference as a problem. They will most likely be more than willing to adapt the job role to work to your strengths. The employer that wants the right person for the job won't be put off by your having a few differences so don't worry about mentioning them!
Tip Seven: Identify All Your Neurodiverse Qualities Before The Interview
Neurodiverse differences can lead to a lot of sought after qualities. Look through this list for ones that describe you and then add some more of your own!
Make Your Own List Of Neurodiverse Qualities
Look at the following list and see which of these qualities you share. These qualities can come from your hobbies, interests, and any other areas where you have achieved success in you life. They will all be qualities that employers want.
Make Your Own List Of Neurodiverse Qualities
Look at the following list and see which of these qualities you share. These qualities can come from your hobbies, interests, and any other areas where you have achieved success in you life. They will all be qualities that employers want.
- I am loyal
- I am determined
- I am a very hard worker
- I will happily help others out
- I am very energetic and always give 100%
- I have a high pain threshold and can be on my feet all day
- I'm not afraid to take on new challenges
- I set a fast pace for others to follow
- I learn new skills really quickly
- I have the determination to keep going till I succeed
- I don't play office politics or gossip with staff
- My brain is always active.
- I am creative and think outside the box
- I can be very enthusiastic.
- I like to take on new challenges, especially when I can work at my own fast pace.
- I am an original thinker
- I'm great at finding solutions
Tip Eight: Keep Focused On Your Positive Traits And Abilities
Tell the employer that you see those Neuro-Diverse Achievers as real role-models because they never let their differences hold them back from achieving greatness in their fields and nor will you!
Examples you could use...
It would seem that success is down to how determined someone is to achieve something and the opportunities they make for themselves not on how well they did at school.
Examples you could use...
- It is reported that Richard Branson left school without the basic O' Levels that most of his peers got but that never stopped him from showing the world what he was capable of.
- Albert Einstein was told he was dumbfounded and lacked the ability to do basic maths by his teachers but look what he achieved in the field of physics!
- It’s even argued that Agatha Christie was dyslexic yet look at how prolific a writer she was. Sometimes people just need to be given a chance to do what they are good at.
It would seem that success is down to how determined someone is to achieve something and the opportunities they make for themselves not on how well they did at school.
Tip Nine: Make It Personal
Talk a bit about these inspirational role models. Explain that it is thanks to these role models that you know that you can achieve great things too. Make sure the prospective employer knows that you have researched the firm and why you think you will fit in.
Tell them that if they give you the chance to show them how great you will be working for them, they won't regret it!
Tell them that if they give you the chance to show them how great you will be working for them, they won't regret it!
Tip Ten: The Problem With Disclosing A Hidden Medical Condition Or Learning Difference Is...
It's always struck me as hypocritical that we live in a society where employers aren't allowed to discriminate against their staff for a whole array of issues, including race, gender, and disabilities, to name but a few. For example they are not allowed to ask a young, recently married interviewee, whether she plans to have children as they could use that knowledge to discriminate. Armed with that knowledge they might not employ her on the off chance they get lumped with maternity pay! I can certainly see why they are not allowed to ask.
Unfortunately, when it comes to hidden impairments or learning differences it is common for interviewers to change their tone, place their hand over their mouth, take a pause and in a slower and usually deeper voice ask things like; 'with your difficulties can you really see yourself being able to manage doing this work' and 'how will you be able to 'cope' with this job requirements, especially if you have lots of medical appointments? Or the one I hate the most 'Are you sure you are up to doing the job considering your disability?'
Unfortunately, when it comes to hidden impairments or learning differences it is common for interviewers to change their tone, place their hand over their mouth, take a pause and in a slower and usually deeper voice ask things like; 'with your difficulties can you really see yourself being able to manage doing this work' and 'how will you be able to 'cope' with this job requirements, especially if you have lots of medical appointments? Or the one I hate the most 'Are you sure you are up to doing the job considering your disability?'
Tip Eleven: What To Do When Suddenly Faced With Negativity
Whenever you hear a negatively phrased question like this that seems to question your ability to do 'any' aspect of the job, take a breath and try to stay positive. What they are really trying to establish is whether they can cope with having to make changes to accommodate for your differences.
I used to get angry at the question and respond with defensive statements. I felt it was just as bad as asking a young lady if she planned to get pregnant. Or asking a neuro-typical, young interviewee whether their religious beliefs would 'stop' them from being able to do the job. It just seems plain wrong to me that even when we do talk honestly, openly and positively about our differences an employer can still ask stupid questions like 'do you think you are able to do this job?'
These negative lines of questioning still irk me but now I try to answer like this.
I used to get angry at the question and respond with defensive statements. I felt it was just as bad as asking a young lady if she planned to get pregnant. Or asking a neuro-typical, young interviewee whether their religious beliefs would 'stop' them from being able to do the job. It just seems plain wrong to me that even when we do talk honestly, openly and positively about our differences an employer can still ask stupid questions like 'do you think you are able to do this job?'
These negative lines of questioning still irk me but now I try to answer like this.
- I realise you have concerns about hiring someone with my diagnoses but we are not all affected in the same ways. I see many of my differences as my strengths that help me to achieve things. The things I identify as weaknesses I put strategies in place to help me manage them.
Tip Twelve: Turn Negatives Into Positives
If the prospective employer is still sat there rubbing their hand over their mouth and looking like they have just eaten something sour, break the silence by listing some of your strategies. This should work to reassure them that you can manage many things in life despite the difficulties. It might help them understand when they realise that most of them have little or no cost implications at all. Ask yourself the following questions to identify some strategies:
All of these things are strategies so make sure the prospective employer knows you are used to finding strategies to overcome barriers yourself!
- Do you use apps on a smartphone or tablet to help you organise and plan activities, find your way around and to remind you about things you need to plan for in the future?
- Have you learned to not rely on your memory for directions so instead use mnemonics to remind yourself of routes, numbers and pins?
- Have you taught yourself how to step aside from a conversation to not be overbearing.?
All of these things are strategies so make sure the prospective employer knows you are used to finding strategies to overcome barriers yourself!
Tip Thirteen: Stay Confident About Your Strengths
Your strengths will be individual to you but all the traits that have a negative impact on you WILL have also given you many positive strengths so take the time to identify them.
If you have a neurodiverse difference you might at times struggle to identify the positives. If you do, it could be because you are not looking at the overall picture. Even some of the most irritating traits that seems to affect many of us like finding our way around could also be our strength! Having an inability to follow directions might have made you really good at planning and finding alternative coping strategies. Whatever you do, whether it be using google earth, using maps, making maps, turning directions into mnemonics, whatever it is, IT IS A POSITIVE STRENGTH!
After explaining your main strengths get straight back to answering the question that the employer is really asking. What adaptations are they going to be expected to, or obliged to make if they take the risk and give you the job?
If you have a neurodiverse difference you might at times struggle to identify the positives. If you do, it could be because you are not looking at the overall picture. Even some of the most irritating traits that seems to affect many of us like finding our way around could also be our strength! Having an inability to follow directions might have made you really good at planning and finding alternative coping strategies. Whatever you do, whether it be using google earth, using maps, making maps, turning directions into mnemonics, whatever it is, IT IS A POSITIVE STRENGTH!
After explaining your main strengths get straight back to answering the question that the employer is really asking. What adaptations are they going to be expected to, or obliged to make if they take the risk and give you the job?
Tip Fourteen: Make The Following Clear
If you didn't think you could do well in the job you wouldn't have applied for it! You have applied because you are confident that their choice to hire you will prove to have been the right one!
Tip Fifteen: Discuss Difficulties By Providing Strategies
I don't know about you but I have always found it really challenging to stay positive when discussing my difficulties and barriers but I guess that was only because I didn't used to go in prepared. Now, rather than saying something like 'I don't know what alterations I'd need yet' you could do what I do and say something like:
- The only alterations I will need initially (assuming you don't have additional physical needs to take into account), is that I be given a little extra induction time so that I can create clear descriptions and strategies for all the new processes and responsibilities you will be expecting from me.
- That whenever possible you give me either one instruction at a time or provide me with a written list of what you expect me to do if it's outside of my regular routine.
- That you agree to meet with me at regular intervals for the first three months to identify any potential difficulties or barriers so that I have time to put strategies in place so that they do not become a problem later.'
Tip Sixteen: Discuss Your Willingness To Ask For External Support
If there are barriers that have a cost implication let the employer know that you will be happy to go through Access To Work so that they can do a needs assessment. if there are reasonable adjustments that they as an employer would be expected to make they should be happy for you to go through Access To Work as they might be able to fund the adaptations, or at least subsidise any costs to them.
Tip Seventeen: Be Ready For The Tough Questions
If you have chosen this job because you know you can do the work then don't leave them in any doubt of that but if they ask what your weaknesses are you can say things like (assuming they are true for you):
- My main weakness is that I work best while I'm moving so even when I'm sat working, my leg, feet or fingers are usually moving and although it helps me concentrate I'm pretty sure it irritates others.
- My main weakness is that I cannot multitask well, if I don't plan out how to do multiple jobs I can start them all but finish non. That's why I really do need that bit of extra time to write my tasks down first!
- My main weakness is... I think your getting the idea.
Tip Eighteen: End On A Positive Note
To end the interview you could state that you've really enjoyed the interview, that you can totally see yourself working there and if they offer you the job you will be able to add your creativity and enthusiasm to helping them achieve the results they're looking for no matter how many strategies you have to put in place.
Tip Nineteen: Key Points To Remember
Never lie about what you can do or what you have achieved in an interview. At the same time never be ashamed of your differences or feel as though you would be better off 'hiding' them. Some employers out there are actually looking for people with your differences. They just might not know it yet!
I would personally want to hire lots of Neuro-diverse employees. If you want to know why check out my previous blog on 'The Benefits of a Neurodiverse Workforce.
It might help you see the positives you can bring to the workforce!
I would personally want to hire lots of Neuro-diverse employees. If you want to know why check out my previous blog on 'The Benefits of a Neurodiverse Workforce.
It might help you see the positives you can bring to the workforce!
Tip Twenty: Make It Sound Natural
Practice talking about your differences positively to people in advance of the interview, do practice role-play interviews with friends so that it sounds natural and fluid on the day!
Now go show them your best side!
Confidently discuss what makes you who you are
and what you can achieve when you set your mind to it!
Confidently discuss what makes you who you are
and what you can achieve when you set your mind to it!