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Original poster

Do I tell potential employers I have an autistic son?

22 replies

JH237 · 19/10/2018 11:50

Hello lovely ladies,

I am currently in the process of looking for work within schools (mainly lunchtime supervisor jobs to fit around my son).
I was a SAHM for 7 years because my son had a few difficulties when he was born and then he was diagnosed with Autism.
I have been very honest on job applications about this (I am a very honest person but I also believed it may help as I am wanting to work with children and it shows I am patient, calm and understanding of children with additional needs) but now I am wondering if this has gone against me.... thoughts?

OP posts:
Lazypuppy · 19/10/2018 13:43

Probably. Why put it on applications? If you want to talk about it do it at interview after they've met you.

In essence, you've potentially given them a reason not to interview you against all the other people who are applying.

JustEnoughEducationToPerform · 19/10/2018 14:01

Thanks for your reply LazyPuppy. I get what you mean but don't you think that's a bit unfair? Why would they not want to interview me because I have a son with autism?
On my application forms I have put what courses i have been on recently (PECS, makaton, autism awareness) so I thought I would explain why I did these courses.
It really annoys me that some people can be so judgemental about parents of children with additional needs. Just because my son has autism why does that make me less able to do a job??!
Not ranting at you btw... guess I've blown it

JustEnoughEducationToPerform · 19/10/2018 14:16

Thanks for your reply LazyPuppy. I get what you mean but don't you think that's a bit unfair? Why would they not want to interview me because I have a son with autism?
On my application forms I have put what courses i have been on recently (PECS, makaton, autism awareness) so I thought I would explain why I did these courses.
It really annoys me that some people can be so judgemental about parents of children with additional needs. Just because my son has autism why does that make me less able to do a job??!
Not ranting at you btw... guess I've blown it

JustEnoughEducationToPerform · 19/10/2018 14:25

I have changed my username btw Smile

Lazypuppy · 19/10/2018 14:39

Oh yeah it is massively unfair, it doesn't mean you are leas able to do the job, however the employer may think rightly or wrongly you'll have extra appointments etc, or have more times you'll need to leave work/be able to come in? I have no idea what it is like to have a child with autism, and they probably don't either which is why i would say its better to discuss in interview when you are talking about the courses

PastaRedWine · 19/10/2018 14:43

If I saw it mentioned on an application form/CV I'd think it was there because the applicant thought they'd need things like the flexibility to leave work at any time and dash to school, etc. Agree with the above, you are giving them a reason not to interview you.

JustEnoughEducationToPerform · 19/10/2018 14:56

But surely that would be the case with any applicant who has children?

SleepingStandingUp · 19/10/2018 15:02

Because as a parent of a child with SN generally (not you specifically) you are likely to have more appt than the next Mum or have to go into school urgently more etc. And certainly people with a little knowledge but not a lot will assume this is true for most SN parents. And putting it in your application form looks like you want them to know tlso they'll take it into consideration.

List all your courses and then if in interview they ask be honest.

Chewbecca · 19/10/2018 15:03

As evidence that you have acquired the skills required for the role - yes
For any other reason - no.

DerelictWreck · 19/10/2018 15:06

But surely that would be the case with any applicant who has children

Possibly, but then you wouldn't ever put that you had children on an application form either.

Seniorschoolmum · 19/10/2018 15:16

I wouldn’t. It gives them a reason not to interview you.

I don’t even tell future employers I have AS. It’s none of their business, I don’t ask for special support, I have good references and I’m good at my job. As far as I’m concerned that’s all that matters.

Likewise I don’t mention my ds (who is NT). Laws against asking those questions are there for a reason.

Rebecca36 · 19/10/2018 15:20

Your family is your business. Why tell prospective employers anything they don't need to know?

sar302 · 19/10/2018 16:18

Putting it on potentially reads like you're already giving reasons as to why you might have to miss work with school meeting etc. Not necessarily the case, and definitely not a fair assumption to make, but will probably give them pause.

SleepingStandingUp · 19/10/2018 16:27

Out of interest if people don't mention their child, what do they put in the X 1year gap you were at home with them full time?

Lazypuppy · 19/10/2018 16:35

@SleepingStandingUp

Out of interest if people don't mention their child, what do they put in the X 1year gap you were at home with them full time?

I don't understand? I am currently on maternity leave (baby is 9 months old) so i am still employed by my current employer. Why would i need to put anything else?

DerelictWreck · 19/10/2018 16:40

Out of interest if people don't mention their child, what do they put in the X 1year gap you were at home with them full time?

How on earth have you jumped to the conclusion that everyone has 1 year at home with their child full time?

Also, you on'y really need to put years on your CV providing you are in roles for long enough and not job hoping or contracting, so it wouldn't even be obvious if you did have a year off employment.

SleepingStandingUp · 19/10/2018 16:53

Bleurgh random typo.

Yes of course it doesn't. Attlee in maternity leave, yes of course lots of people have less time off. My typing is determined to get me a beating on MN.

LET ME TRY AGAIN

Out of interest if people don't mention their child, what do they put in the X year gap you were at home with them full time?

As in X years gap you were at home full time suggesting more than 1 so not maternity but as in Re OP and 7 or myself when I go back, so maybe 5?

Alfie19 · 19/10/2018 17:05

When I read the thread title, I thought you were mentioning it because you thought you might need some special allowances for it. Reading on, I can see you think it is relevant because it illustrates that you have particular skills.

But I cannot forget my first thought, whether fair or not, some employers might be wary of someone that is possibly warning them at this early stage of needing special dispensations.

So I would not mention it on applications. However at interview, if it comes up, it could be a good opportunity to show your enhanced skills in dealing with children through your own experiences.

Seniorschoolmum · 19/10/2018 17:35

I didn’t put anything. I was on maternity leave, ie I was still an employee in receipt of pension & benefits.

Bestseller · 19/10/2018 17:39

It might be something you can use at interview to demonstrate experience of dealing with a certain situation but no, not on the application form

HippyH0tD0g · 19/10/2018 22:39

An employer will be interviewing you, not your husband, your partner, your children, your pets, your wider family, your friends. The interview should be about your job role, what extras you can bring to the role like first aid qualifications, volunteering, fund raising, makadon and what extra skills you are willing to learn. Most people have a home life and hobbies, but these will always be secondary to an employer. You need to sell yourself and your skills.

JustEnoughEducationToPerform · 24/10/2018 17:01

Hi ladies,

Thank you for your replies! I had an interview today and an hour later got offered the job! Grin

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