• Replies 11 replies
  • Subscribers 84 subscribers
  • Views 4578 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

? Benefits of diagnosis

Bumblebee

Hello everyone. I’m 36 yo and have strongly suspected I’m autistic for years now but suffer from anxiety (also undiagnosed as discussing anything not to do with physical health with doctors makes me even more anxious so I have avoided it for years) I’ve not managed to work up the courage to ask for a diagnosis yet. My brother is autistic and was diagnosed before he started school at 4. I also have dyslexia and my mum is convinced that autism and dyslexia share traits which explain the difficulties I had as a child. My research suggests some overlap but not enough to explain everything. I have problems with change especially when familiar shops change the layout, I have problems with social situations I don’t always know what people expect me to say or where the conversation is going so I don’t usually talk much except to a few really good friends, I have problems with sounds, textures and the weight of some fabrics. Most of this is situational I cope well at work as I know mostly what to expect and am well trained to deal with most issues and have developed a kind of script of the small talk expected of me. I am good at my job. I’m interested to know what others have experienced after diagnosis. I won’t be applying for any benefits mainly I want to know for my own piece of mind. Did anyone have any problems with their jobs after their diagnosis? What advantages did people find from having a confirmed diagnosis?

thanks everyone 

Parents

  • Hi Bumblenee. I have a slightly negative view.

    Diagnosis is only really useful for your own peace of mind - do not expect any support afterwards coming to terms with it - you're pretty much diagnosed and then cut loose to sort it all out on your own.

    If you work, telling your manager or colleagues can mean career suicide as you are suddenly seen as unreliable and faulty. Support in the workplace is usually patchy and inconsistent. What they agree and do one day goes out the window with a change of management or if there's a rush on or they are looking to cut costs. Also, colleagues can whisper behind your back and undermine your position.

    If you are diagnosed, think very carefully about who you tell.

    Family can be horrible to you too.

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Plastic

    But to offer an alternative, a diagnosis doesn't change anything - if you are diagnosed as having some level of ASD, then you are just the same as you were before.  What you do have however is an independently confirmed explanation for why you may have been having the difficulties you have. Once you know what a problem is, then you have a better position from where to work out what you might want to do about it to improve things.

    I agree you probably want to think very carefully about who you disclose to, but in my case disclosing to work has been relatively helpful.

  • in reply to Former Member

    excellent post, Windscale!

    My feelings are pretty much the same - I got diagnosed for ME to help ME understand ME, but having a confirmed diagnosis can also help others to help/understand me. I have disclosed to a small number of people at work, including the boss and everyone has been incredibly supportive.

Reply Children
No Data