Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, My employer seem to be invalidating my AS diagnosis. I had a disciplinary appeal the other day and somebody made the comment' Oh that's just one person's opinion', I was gobsmacked all the problems I have had throughout my life and it was like this one person brought my whole world crashing down. I have struggled all my life with communicating with others and feeling different, I got my diagnosis 3 years ago from a psychologist that advertises on this very web site, who specialises in adult AS diagnosis and used NICE guidelines, surely that is proof that this person is is qualified to diagnose AS, isn't it?
I have the same ego's in work, they do not recognise you are having meltdowns so verbally discipling you, do not listen until you get a proper diagnosis "in writing". You really need to make them aware of the Equality Act 2010 and any company policies/procedures in place for Medical Capability, Making Adjustments in the Workplace, Diversity, Disability. In fact in my employers procedures the onus is on the manager, diagnosed or not.
I have also been made aware of Employee Lawyers who know/deal with these cases but you may like to keep that separate from anything to do with your employers until you are ready to tell them.
I have now raised my issue with my employers that they need to address this serious issue but the Laggards still do not get it yet - they will.
My union are looking at discrimination right now to see if I I have a case. Personally I'm sure I do as I've become quite the expert on the Equality act 2010. Time will tell?
Quote it to them chapter and verse. You DO have a case. Don't end up like I did.... working for a specialist autism charity which, when I went sick because of bullying and harassment, questioned whether I was fulfilling my job description by not 'dealing with challenging behaviour.' If an organisation like that can't understand the distinction between legitimate challenging behaviour exhibited as part of a recognised neurological condition (in which they're supposed to be 'expert') and deliberate bullying, then it shows just how hard we have to fight.
They are discriminating against you. And it is against the law.
I had induction training in my new job this week. On the 'Equality and Diversity' course, we were talking about how discrimination can manifest. I made a point about the struggle Aspies sometimes face in that as we appear to be 'normal' in most ways (i.e. neurotypical), we can easily come unstuck when something happens that doesn't fit with that 'normal' idea.
Maybe I didn't make the point very well, because the trainer said 'Even using the term 'normal' can be discriminatory... because we're all a bit weird.' I could have gone on to explain how there was a difference between being 'a bit weird' and having a different neurological make-up that puts us in a small minority... but...
Earlier in the week, she related an anecdote about a relative who is 'very autistic... he has Asperger's'. A misunderstanding before you even start. She then went into his behaviours, etc. How he has had public meltdowns, how he needs supporting with budgeting his money, etc. Building up a stereotype. I then did say my piece about the broad variations on the theme, and announced that I had Asperger's, too. She seemed quite surprised.
And so the misunderstanding and misconceptions continue....
Thanks Martian Tom, and I am ready for a fight! Well kind of but I do intend to fight my corner.