Step 1: Contextual Framework Pass (Facts)

Section Content:

Facts:
Engineer A, a professional engineer licensed in four states, specializes in air pollution control and air emissions permitting and has practiced professional engineering successfully for 25 years for multiple employers.
Engineer A has autism and, more specifically, Asperger’s Syndrome.
Engineer A has kept this fact not only from his current employer (which he has worked for 5 years) but also previous employers.
Engineer A recently attended an autism support conference.
One of the speakers presented on self-advocacy, which encourages autistic individuals, when able, to share who they are and what they can do.
The speaker noted that a person with autism needs to be treated with respect and not as someone with “special needs.”After considerable thought, Engineer A considered the language in the NSPE Code of Ethics, which requires engineers to “avoid deceptive acts.” Engineer A would like to be open about his autism, but because Engineer A obtained his employment without disclosing his autism, Engineer A is concerned that doing so might place his career in jeopardy.
At the least, disclosure could limit his career options if his employer and potential future employers have biases or concerns about client interactions.