AIBU to wonder how you would feel about your child having an autistic teacher?

[Aspieteach]

Name changed for this just in case any one from my school is able to identify me from previous posts.

I had an appointment today at my county's neurobehavioural clinic. No formal diagnosis yet, but I was told that I meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD. I'm going to "come out" to friends and colleagues once I've had a formal diagnosis but don't know whether to tell parents or not.

I've been a primary school teacher for over 20 years and have always had good relationships with both the children in my class and with parents. But I'm not sure whether parents who don't know me would feel uncomfortable with the idea of their children being taught by someone with autism or whether parents who do know me may change their opinion of me.

I'll read all replies if anyone takes the trouble to post, but won't be back on this thread tonight. Today's been quite intense and overwhelming. I'm feeling pretty exhausted so am off to bed now.

I’m diagnosed with asd. I don’t think I’d tell colleagues, let alone parents. I’d tell boss if they needed to know in terms of adjustments / support, but if you’ve been doing the job for twenty years without issue, I don’t see why they need to know.

I think people with asd in general tend to be very open and not realise when they don’t need to share detail. I’m guilty of this.

I’d say share it if it comes up, or someone needs to know.

Parents don’t need to have teachers’ personal medical details.

To me it wouldn't mean much since ASD is so varied, you might as well tell me that you are left handed or something as well. ASD is different in every person and I would love to see more people talk about it, but I would understand if you didn't because people who do not have experience with ASD may treat you harshly. This is completely unfair but I think it happens all the time. I wish people would be more open-minded to those with SN.

I wouldn't expect to be told - none of my business. I think it would be better not to mention to parents unless there's a reason to.

Wouldn't bother me up-front, but if my DC was experiencing problems in the class which weren't purely academic (in reality, this means most problems) then knowing might make me unsure of/second-guess your judgement in dealing with the social/emotional side of those problems.