Understanding these principles will help you make disclosure decisions that feel right for you.

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You may be surprised to learn that disclosure is not all or nothing. You have more control over what you share than you might think, and can choose what feels right for you. Here are examples of three levels of disclosure you can choose, ranging from sharing a simple preference to naming your neurotype.

The table below explores common pros and cons of disclosing to your friends and classmates. Think about your own life, because you might have your own special reasons too that aren’t listed below. Looking at all four possibilities can help you choose what feels best for you.

For younger children, parents and caregivers can go through the pros and cons with them and help them decide what feels right.

Example

Here is an example of how someone might think through this decision when considering whether to disclose to their friends or classmates.

Give it a try!

Now it is your turn. Think of a peer you trust, or someone you are considering telling. Use the space below to work through it.

Timing

There is no perfect time to tell someone; you get to choose when it feels right for you. Some people like to start by telling one really trusted friend first, so it feels less scary. Others wait until they know someone well and feel sure the friendship is strong before sharing.

You might decide to tell only friends who seem to “get it” or who have gone through something similar, because they may understand you more easily. Pay attention to your feelings and body signals, and trust your instincts about who feels safe to tell and when.

You may be surprised to learn that disclosure is not all or nothing. You have more control over what you share than you might think, and can choose what feels right for you. Here are examples of three levels of disclosure you can choose, ranging from sharing a simple preference to naming your neurotype.

The table below explores common pros and cons of disclosing to your friends and classmates. Think about your own life, because you might have your own special reasons too that aren’t listed below. Looking at all four possibilities can help you choose what feels best for you.

Example

Here is an example of how someone might think through this decision when considering whether to disclose to their schools or universities.

Give it a try!

Now it is your turn. Think of a peer you trust, or someone you are considering telling. Use the space below to work through it.

Timing

Disclosure in education can happen at different points, and the timing you choose can affect what support is available and how easy it is to put it in place. Telling a school or university before a term starts can give staff more time to arrange adjustments, but some students prefer to wait until they understand the environment, the course demands, and who feels safe to approach.

You might choose to disclose when you enrol, at the start of term, before exams, when a challenge first comes up, or later on if your needs change. What matters most is choosing a time that gives you the best chance of being understood and supported, while still feeling safe and in control.

You may be surprised to learn that disclosure is not all or nothing. You have more control over what you share than you might think, and can choose what feels right for you. Here are examples of three levels of disclosure you can choose, ranging from sharing a simple preference to naming your neurotype.

The table below explores common pros and cons of disclosing to employers. Think about your own life, because you might have your own special reasons too that aren’t listed below. Looking at all four possibilities can help you choose what feels best for you.

Example

Here is an example of how someone might think through this decision when considering whether to disclose to an employer.

Give it a try!

Now it is your turn. Think of a real situation where you have needed to make a disclosure decision, or one you may face in the future. Use the space below to work through it.

At work, timing can make a big difference because disclosure may affect recruitment, onboarding, access to adjustments, and how confident you feel asking for support. Some people choose to disclose before they start so adjustments are in place from day one, while others wait until they have built trust, understand the role better, or can point to specific changes that would help them succeed.

If you are unsure, it can help to think about what you need right now, who needs to know, and what the pros and cons are at this stage. You do not have to make one disclosure decision for every situation; you can make different choices at different points in your working life.

The tables on the the following pages bring together the key information you need. For each stage, you will find the typical pros and cons, when this stage works best, example language you can use when disclosing, and relevant context for Hong Kong.

You can use whichever table fits the stage you are in right now, whether you are getting ready to apply for a job, already working in a role, or thinking ahead to future situations.

Now apply what you have learned to your own situation. If you are currently employed, work through each stage that is relevant to you. If you are not yet in the workforce, use this as a planning tool for the future.

Disclosure is a personal decision. There is no single right answer, and your choice may look different at different times and in different situations. What matters is that you are making an informed decision that works for you!