Telling the boss you have ADHD is a big decision and not to be done casually. Dr. Ari Tuckman has some advice on when and why you might disclose at work — and when you might not.
Transcription follows this 29 minute video.
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ADHD Awareness Month 2022
Understanding a Shared Experience
Transcription
I think if the question is: Do you disclose at work? That’s a little bit more complicated because the rest of our life does not have human resources law applied to it. I think if you have a boss who seems understanding, if you have co-workers who seem understanding, perhaps.
Some more corporate settings get a little bit sketchy when someone says a disclosure like that. So usually the advice I give in that setting is: talk symptoms before diagnosis, which is like my client, “I am always late.” Leave out the “I have ADHD, therefore…” part of it.
I think in this case, especially in the work setting, it’s more about what are the solutions? Given this, how do I do better here? What are some things that you can do that are going to help me be a better employee, so you’re going to be happier with my performance?
So the sales pitch is about how both people benefit. It’s not just about how one person benefits.
Text cards are included at the end of the presentation
Card 1
It is a personal decision to share an ADHD diagnosis at work.
Consider your workplace carefully when making this decision.
Card 2
Having ADHD does not automatically make you eligible for workplace protection or accommodations.
Disclosing to your supervisor or employer can have positive and negative consequences, and should be considered very carefully.
About the speaker
Ari Tuckman, PsyD, CST is a psychologist, author, and international speaker specializing in ADHD, particularly how it impacts relationships.