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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to think this interview question was off?

35 replies

Watdidusay · 02/02/2026 17:16

I'm interviewing for an NHS admin role (7c).

I disclosed in my application that I had dyspraxia and dyslexia as it asked about disabilities.

At interview today one of the panel brought up the dyslexia and dyspraxia, saying in their personal experience they often find people with these conditions also have ADHD and how can I be sure I will finish the projects I start.

I answered it well, I think, as I was able to reference my employment experience and what I'd delivered (completion of tasks has never really been a problem for me).

However something about the question seems a bit odd. I feel they made an assumption based on my disabilities and made it my job to defend my ability to work. If I was a standard interview question then I don't see why they had to reference my disabilities and assume there was a high chance I had ADHD and therefore can I focus. Why not just leave that out and ask if I can prove I see things through?

Is this normal for NHS interviews? Am I wrong to think it's a bit off?

OP posts:
StrawberryJamAndRaspberryPie · 02/02/2026 17:38

Well yes they asked you to explain why you wouldn’t be held back by a disability you don’t have and haven’t declared. Bizarre

Gwenhwyfar · 02/02/2026 17:37

Disasterclass · 02/02/2026 17:32

Not sure how it works in the NHS but any jobs I’ve applied for ask about disabilities and other protected characteristics in a separate (anonymous) part of the application to monitor who they are reaching to apply. It should never be known to the interviewers.

Yes, although is very small organisations this is a joke because they probably don't have enough people to separate them properly.

Hankunamatata · 02/02/2026 17:35

Bit odd it was brought up.
Usually questions are pre set and approved.
I wonder if there was a question on projects management and they stupidly mentioned your disabilities as well.

sweetpickle2 · 02/02/2026 17:35

I'd complain to their HR department. Absolutely outrageous- you were there for a job interview, not an ADHD diagnosis!

Newmumatlast · 02/02/2026 17:35

This is appalling

Disasterclass · 02/02/2026 17:32

Not sure how it works in the NHS but any jobs I’ve applied for ask about disabilities and other protected characteristics in a separate (anonymous) part of the application to monitor who they are reaching to apply. It should never be known to the interviewers.

KellyJonesLeatherTrousers · 02/02/2026 17:31

Not acceptable. And the interviewee should be well aware of that given the diversity training NHS do!

Newyearsameme26 · 02/02/2026 17:29

Omg!!!

CatAsstrophe · 02/02/2026 17:26

YANBU in the slightest. The question was totally inappropriate.

If someone asked me that at an interview, I'd complain to HR.

chailatte123 · 02/02/2026 17:25

Yes, I do think it is 'off.'
You have not been diagnosed with ADHD nor have you disclosed to them that you have it. The question is inappropriate.
I also think had you disclosed you had ADHD it is fairly discriminatory to assume you may not be able to complete tasks.