Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi everybody, I am not sure which section to post this in. I am currently a mature uni student in Nottingham. I have always thought, responded to and interacted with people differently to most. Until recently I had no idea why this was, but since starting university numerous people have either asked if I am on the autistic spectrum or just assumed that I am. Over the summer holidays I decided to do some proper research into it and talked about it to friends who are on the spectrum. It would be an understatement to say it explains a LOT. From my research it would appear to be aspergers, though online information has been somewhat inconsistent. I think it went unnoticed for a very long time as I have physical health problems that prevented me being able to do much of anything for many years.
Leading to the main question as to whether I should get a diagnosis. I am at this stage about 95% certain that I am on the spectrum, it just explains too many things from difficulties in social interactions, body language to what I used to view as personality quirks. Ultimately if I am on the spectrum it is part of who I am and nothing can change that. I find life very difficult but I am coping so I don’t know if a diagnosis will be of any benefit to me.
However my main concern is that a diagnosis could result in a lot of long term negatives/problems. Partly due to poor understanding or misinterpretation of health problems that exist in the general population. I brought up considering diagnosis with my GP and he said that a diagnosis could limit my ability to access work and could close doors for me as it would have to go on any medical reports. I have friends who think that what the GP has said is completely wrong and think I should try and get a diagnosis. I have found information online to be somewhat inconsistent and incomplete.
It would be really helpful to get some more viewpoints and find out about the personal experiences of others before I decide whether or not to get a diagnosis. Thank you
I can imagine you driving a truck...and rocking out in your cab!
Hey you!
i'm 42 and been in full time employment since I finished my first degree. I work as a teacher which you'd think wouldn't work with the challenges in communication....but it suits as i am empathic about others, can communicate easily and enthusiastically about my topic area...it is just the office small talk that I can struggle with...so try and put myself in a situation that I can drop in/out of that as I please.
like you I have done lots of research and have only recently spoken to my GP re seeking a diagnostic assessment. I can't at present see what additional benefits if would bring about from validating my own research about what makes me tick...but it would allow me to request adjustments at work......
at present I am wearing the label and the more that I talk to the lovely people here the more comfortable I feel with that.
if there is any support an advice you can get from your uni then seize that and do stick around here!
I don't think it can, unless the diagnosis comes with a severe leaning disability. I know aspies/autistics who drive. I know on one of the threads I was speaking with someone in the process of getting his HGV licence. I've got a provisional LGV/HGVPSV licence as I think Fiona from Eddie Stobart Trucks and Trailers and Lisa and Mia from Ice Road Truckers made me think HGV driving can be for us girlies too!!!! I like the idea of HGV driving in that much of it is alone, perhaps with one other person, apart from making deliveries, Tho I do wonder how stressed I'd get with deadlines for deliveries and I get stuck in traffic. I think my working style is in small groups or perhaps alone, tho I do sometimes have too much time alone, tho it can get lonely, tho I find it difficult to make friends, and most of them live 60-80 miles away. I'd like to get my cat A licence (motorbikes) and C HGV even if just to say I've got them. I wish I could test out the water before deciding if HGV driving is right for me, not that I've got the money, tho I was going to try and save some money up tho my last job went *** up. Other than HGV driving I think museum/heritage/history is the right setting for me to work in!!!
My initial reaction is try to talk to somebody neutral like the disability support team at your university and/or disability employment advisor at the job centre; both may be able to offer you both advice and support for you to make an informed decision. Your Gp has offered quite a negative view, I don't know if they are right or not. As an alternative point of view it could be to your advantage because should you find yourself struggling you may be able to get adjustments to help you. And you may be able to start right now in the uni whilst you study. You mentioned friends on the Spectrum.. has it affected ( positively/negatively) their job opportunities or employment? It's a very personal decision and I suppose it depends on how much strain there is in coping now and if you are able to help prevent possible future difficulties. Whether diagnosed or not quite a few people on this forum are in employment or self employed so there may be other threads about it.
How about drivers licenses? Can the diagnosis affect the driver's license?
It doesn't have to go on medical reports. as re a (potential) employer it's up to you whether you tell them or not. Really it's you're decision to seek a diagnosis or not. I did and got one of AS in November, that could explain quite alot, and why sometimes I've struggled in education or employment.