Should I Tell a Potential Employer I'm Neurodivergent?
It's Neurodiversity Celebration week. And this is one of the most common questions I hear.
Usually followed by:
"What difference will it make?" and
"I don't know what would help me in the recruitment process..."
If this sounds like you, let's break it down.
First: Disclosure Is Your Choice
You are not required to tell an employer anything about being neurodivergent.
This is a personal decision.
There is no “right” answer that applies to everyone. What matters is what feels right for you and your situation.
How Telling an Employer Can Help
There are situations where sharing this information can make a real difference.
For example:
If the recruitment process doesn’t allow you to perform at your best
(e.g. timed tests, group tasks, fast-paced interviews)
If adjustments would genuinely improve your performance
If you’re finding parts of the process overwhelming or unclear
In these cases, speaking up can help level the playing field.
The Key Thing Most People Miss
Employers can’t support you if they don’t know.
That’s where reasonable adjustments come in.
These might include:
Extra time for assessments
Questions shared in advance
A quieter interview setting
Clearer instructions or structure
It isn't “special treatment”.
They are there to remove barriers so you can show what you’re capable of.
“But I Don’t Know What I'd Ask For…”
This is where people get stuck.
You don’t need to explain everything.
You don’t need the perfect wording.
You can keep it simple:
“I’d perform better if…”
“I may need…”
That’s enough to start the conversation.
You could also ask questions of the recruiter...
“Is it possible to…”
"What type of adjustments have you made before for...?"
A Helpful Resource
There's a brilliant guide to reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process written by Enna Global. It's well worth a read if you're unsure where to start.
A Final Thought
If you take one thing away from this:
You are allowed to ask
You deserve a fair chance
And that applies whether you’re applying for your first job, an apprenticeship, or a placement.
Because the reality is... many young people already feel overwhelmed by applications and interviews
Adding unnecessary barriers on top of that? It’s not needed.
I'm Fiona, a qualified career & confidence coach helping young adults launch their careers.
I fell into my first career, and stayed there for 10 years - even though it never truly suited me. By the end, I was burnt out and lacking confidence. That experience fuels my passion for helping young people find careers that genuinely align with their strengths and values.
Download my FREE "Interviews Unlocked" guide
To help you feel confident and prepared for interviews.
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