If you need urgent support, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. To contact our Crisis Messenger (open 24/7) text THEMIX to 85258.
Options
ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) and work
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
I was unsure whether to put this in the work section or here but I really need some advice.
It has come to my attention that I may be diagnosed with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). Now while I know I am not as other people are, I am able to function (for the most part) as a person albeit with diminished social skills.
My question is this:
I already have many labels which I must inform Employers about such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and a history of depression/mental health problems. DO I really want to go adding to the list?
Obviously I am aware of the disability discrimination act (or similarly named act that stops employers discriminating) but I still have to declare it I believe.
I need more advice on whether having an official diagnoses would be a help or a hinderance to me, as I have the potential to lead a relatively normal work life.
I have tried looking at the NAS (www.autism.org.uk) website and other sites but have failed to find anything of use.
It has come to my attention that I may be diagnosed with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). Now while I know I am not as other people are, I am able to function (for the most part) as a person albeit with diminished social skills.
My question is this:
I already have many labels which I must inform Employers about such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and a history of depression/mental health problems. DO I really want to go adding to the list?
Obviously I am aware of the disability discrimination act (or similarly named act that stops employers discriminating) but I still have to declare it I believe.
I need more advice on whether having an official diagnoses would be a help or a hinderance to me, as I have the potential to lead a relatively normal work life.
I have tried looking at the NAS (www.autism.org.uk) website and other sites but have failed to find anything of use.
0
Comments
My current employer knows nothing of my current situation as I started 5 years ago which was before any formal diagnosis had been made about my mental health and I never found it necessary to tell them.
I am wondering the same thing with myself. It won't change who I am; but it would explain some things. I've noticed recently that I really can't tolerate certain things (such as hand cream) on my hands, nor can I tolerate the dog's bark. (it does make me jump)
I don't know anyone who has ever said that the diagnosis was a hindrance to them - my mum struggled for years to get a diagnosis for my brother and was told it's her fault he's the way he is. Finally, someone took my parents concerns seriously.
:yes: The only reason to declare is if you think it will cause specific difficulties. I would probably advise declaring it if it might cause problems with interacting with colleagues or something but since you say you're high functioning and have worked successfully without adjustment for five years I think it's entirely your decision.
Though the problem is this will be a different kind of work. At the moment I am a kitchen porter Menial mindless physical activity. The jobs I am looking at are more mechanical design based type of thing...
It is an unknown how I will deal with the new environment and the work I will be doing...
Employ-ability are a very good organisation, most of what I've said here comes from a workshop they gave at my last uni.
If you have not recieved a formal diagnosis for ASD you would not have to declare it on an application form, however it would be worth disclosing the information that you may be issued with a formal diagnosis in the near future as it is always best to be upfront when applying for employment.
A diagnosis will not hinder you from finding work and as you are aware all employers have to work within the Disability Discrimination Act guidelines.
Good luck and keep posting to let us know how you are getting on !!:thumb:.
My mother is trying to get me to not go and get diagnosed so I won't have to actually say anything. Which admittedly does have its advantages. But then I really don't know what the advantage would be in getting diagnosed... (assuming it is a positive diagnosis)
Kind of in limbo at the moment.
If you think you need any support, you're going to need a diagnosis.
Generally it's a good idea to work on the basis that you should only declare if you absolutely have to. If you're going to need support in your job then you'll need to declare it, but if you're generally high-functioning you might not need the support. I'm declared disabled in this job as I needed to explain an absence record and in the job I lost due to disability they asked direct questions in a medical questionnaire that I couldn't lie about. They had read the medical questionnaire even though they were not supposed to, of that I am certain. It's your call. If you can live without a diagnosis you probably should avoid getting one; what you don't officially know you don't have to lie about.
This is what i was worried about. Yes they are not supposed to discriminate but it cannot be proved that they don't.
I know there will be some questions which leave no way around omitting the truth.
I guess I'll just have to see how it goes. I have maybe 5-6 months before I even get an appointment with the guy who deals with autism in Leicester so I guess I can say that right now having no official diagnosis either way I don't have to admit anything. Although if there is a question of history of mental illness then I would have to answer yes anyway.
Maybe not but advice is worth listening too.
What support do you need?
I am on Antidepressants, but they only help so much. The depression causes me to lose interest in everything and I find I am unable to work on my Uni reports and so end up wasting my days.
As I said, and indeed you quoted, I don't know what support is available that could help me.
I know about befriending scheme's and inclusion support services and so on and am all signed up. But so far nothing has really happened with regard to anything happening with these services.