Why you shouldn't disclose your Neurodivergence

Why I don’t recommend telling employers or colleagues you are neurodivergent

You might expect that here at Unplaced, as advocates for neurodivergent workplace rights and voices for change, we would encourage everyone to be open about their neurodivergence. However, in reality, that’s not always the safest advice.

What we really aim to do is help keep you safe and support you in making informed choices amid the sea of LinkedIn posts telling you to be open about your neurodivergence, ask for special changes at work, and trust that the “law” guarantees reasonable adjustments. The reality we see, in real time, is very different. Here at Unplaced, we keep it real..

The Diversity and Inclusion Myth

Many workplaces claim to be diverse and inclusive. They post glossy LinkedIn updates about “embracing differences". But the reality we’ve heard from so many is:

• Neurodivergence discussed as gossip

• Jokes and stereotypes about ADHD and autism tossed around casually

• Confidential medical details repeated in open-plan offices

• People discussed as being 'not a culture fit'

• Comments like “We’re all a little bit autistic” used to dismiss lived experience

Across many workplaces in Australia and New Zealand, patterns have emerged over time. The branding might say “inclusive,” but in practice, the systems and behaviours often don’t match.

The Hidden Challenges of Disclosure

Nobody should be ashamed of being neurodivergent. But we’ve learned that disclosure can be used against you, sometimes subtly and sometimes openly. Once it’s out there, you can’t take it back.

Until more workplaces truly respect confidentiality, challenge bias, and back their diversity statements with action, our advice remains the same: protect your information and disclose only on your own terms.

Inclusion isn’t a policy or an award. It’s what happens in the everyday moments when no one’s watching. And those moments tell us we still have a long way to go.

Not all heroes wear capes

We want to take a moment to honour everyone who has been unbelievably brave, who has put themselves out there, shared their neurodivergence, and hoped to be a catalyst for real change. We see you. We admire you. You are heroes, truly.

But we also want to say we are so sorry. Sorry that in doing this, you have perhaps been left vulnerable, exposed in a game you never agreed to play, with rules no one is sharing. Sorry the systems that should have protected you failed instead. It is heartbreaking. It is unfair. And sometimes, it feels like no one knows how to fix it.

Thank you for your courage, your resilience, and your hope. You carry the weight of a fight that is bigger than any one person. And we see you. We stand with you.

Unplaced Team,

Note: This blog reflects general observations and experiences in the workplace. No specific organisations, events or individuals are named or implied.