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Entitlements/concessions..anything??

NAS36932

Need some clarity about conflicting information, hope you can help.

Some background first;  Diagnosed this year (confirmed what I knew/made sense of my entire life); so called 'high functioning'.. Have for 30 years somehow managed to hold down a job (health professional), a good marriage and two- now grown up- children. Diagnosis has at least given me 'permission' to be myself, so I don't have to wing it beyond my capabilities quite so much. Life has been, and is, harder/more exhausting and at times more distressing than people realise. Some adjustments agreed at work (protected time, quiet work space, acceptance that I might need recovery time and that I am not 'lazy'..but not allowed to reduce my workload. Review in 3-4 months with union and HR etc, go to process of finding me another role in the organisation if the workload has too much impact on my mental health.

I'm 'lucky' in the sense of a relatively secure and comfortable life (if I can keep going that is; often feel like I want to run away from it all), but confused;

1.  my manager asked if I had considered applying for benefits. I don't desperately need extra money, but certain aspects of PIP or suchlike might make life easier. I am well aware, through my work, of the near impossibility of a successful benefits claim and the ridiculous hoops people have to jump though. I could convincingly state a case for extreme psychological stress/distress in some situations (overstimulation/unfamiliarity/ being so distracted that I have nearly been run over numerous times in my life, in busy places), and my life would probably be a disaster if my wife didn't keep on top of finances etc (it all confuses me). Is it even worth bothering to apply when you are one of us who might appear to be 'managing alright' ?

2. Any other entitlements or concessions for anything at all? Bus pas or anything like that? A couple of professional colleagues who are more specialised in ASD, have mentioned that the diagnosis, and the NAS card (I had mine laminated), automatically entitles you to some things..travel was mentioned? I've also heard from others with the diagnosis, that diagnosis anD the NAS card 'isn't good enough' when seeking help or concessions, but the ASD assessor who diagnosed me, I'm sure she said it was a nationally recognised tool

For life in general, what if any leeway or consideration is there? I didn't expect my life to change overnight, but I'm finding that nothing really seems much different. I think I need to:

A: Know exactly what is available for 'higher functioning' (misleading term) ASD when society does not consider you to be 'severely disabled' 

B: Assert my needs more.   

Many thanks for any advice     

  • in reply to Robert124

    I am similar to this and was instantly told on the first day at the job centre that autism/anxiety/depression makes no difference to searching for employment. I was later advised to apply for PIP but saw that the only way to do it was to phone up and go through a long assessment process which is stupid considering this is basically a stressful nightmare to someone with ASD and anxiety 

  • in reply to tintal

    The "Autism Alert" card available from the NAS, maybe? (link to NAS online shop - the picture is a bit old, as it doesn't show the new logo.)

    If so, then as something that anyone could purchase, it has no formal recognition; it's just a convenient way to highlight your needs should you otherwise have trouble communicating them. I have one for this reason, as I can sometimes lose the power of speech when I'm very overwhelmed.

    As far as bus passes etc. go, there's a bit of variation, as local authorities have some discretion over who they give them to. It seems that in most places, it's fairly automatic if you receive the higher-rate "mobility component" of PIP, or have certain specific disabilities, otherwise you have to prove a need for a discretionary one. Local to me, I don't automatically qualify, even though I get high-rate ESA and "daily living" PIP, because my "mobility component" is at the lower rate. I could try to make a case for a discretionary one, but I don't use the bus enough to be bothered with the hassle (a bus pass isn't going to make the buses any less noisy and full of scary people!)

  • in reply to tintal

    I was given the card at my follow up appointment after diagnostic assessment. Credit card sized, says 'this person is on the autistic spectrum', with some brief informative bullet points. Has the National Autistic Society logo on it. Got mine laminated (and would ideally like a passport style photo on the other side). Haven't used it in public yet, but I will use it next time I have to go through an airport or suchlike, might be useful to get a quieter seat in public places, or just to show people if I'm confused and stressed by certain situations. I'm not optimistic about benefits, so haven't bothered trying so far.

  • Hello, I'm in a somewhat similar position. I was diagnosed at 34, and although I'm technically unemployed, I'm paid a generous PhD stipend until 2020, and my girlfriend has a good income. I haven't even bothered to look into benefits because it doesn't seem worthwhile. 

    Can I ask what is the NAS card you mentioned, and how to get one? 

  • in reply to Robert124

    Me too - although got mine at Boots - got it free because I have a carers card. 

  • I received one benefit this year.

    A free flu jab from my GP.

  • I'm in a somewhat similar position. My career has been very disjointed though, and I've ended up doing part-time and casual roles - partly due to my hasband's ill health and partly because I found full-time professional roles got increasingly stressful. I haven't got my diagnosis yet. As a woman I'm slightly concerned DSM-5 may not pick up all of the nuances - I'm hoping clinical experience and expertise will make up for this though.

    I've yet to mention my autism assessment at work and I'm not expecting much in the way of accommodations if I get a diagnosis. Managers and colleagues who know the 'pretending to cope' version of me may well struggle to accept my difficulties are real. I've had a tough time getting any concesssions for Dupuytren's Disease and hearing loss. The three conditions together have quite a significant impact on the work I can do. 

    To end on a more positive note I have found mentioning I am undergoing assessment for autism has helped in some situations. I've got an ankle injury and to get a GP appointment generally involves being on stand by at 8am and then making multiple calls using speed dial for 10-15 minutes using both mobile and landline. I explained to the receptionist how stressful this is and she booked me straight in with the GP instead. 

    I had to phone another service this morning. We got into one of those conversations that just goes round and round in circles about when I was and wasn't available to get a call back from a duty officer. I could sense her tone of voice becoming irritated. Then she said she'd find someone to answer my query immediately. I'm pretty sure this was because I mentioned my autism assessment. 

    It's definitely worth looking into things like concessions for bus travel, theatre tickets, sports and leisure activities. I am registered as a carer and while I don't get financial benefits I have had vouchers for free relaxation therapies. I was given a list of local businesses who offer carers concessions - there may well be something similar for people diagnosed as autistic. I'm sure you'll get some good advice from established members of this community. 

    I agree with you about understanding entitlements and acting assertively. 

  • Basically, the system is a mess.

    I too have been advised to apply for ESA ( Employment and Support Allowance). PIP ( Personal Independence Payment).  And free bus passes.

    I don't receive any of them.  Because although I cannot hold done a job.  I don't qualify for any of these benefits because first impressions are  that I appear capable of living a normal life.