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Employer invalidating diagnosis

Bookworm

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?

  • in reply to Bookworm

    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.

  • in reply to Eccentric1

    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?

  • 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.

  • Thanks  or all your replies. I know who I am now just have to accept that like Graham said there are some knuckleheads out there. 're access to work I will contact them tomorrow.

  • I had problems.at.work both pre and post diagnosis.

    My greatest help has been my support worker paid by access to work.  Amongst other things she acts as intermediary whenever there are so called behaviour issues and supports me in any meeting regarding difficulties I am having.

    Short of that your employer should have a grievance procedure which you should consider using to resolve things.  My situation was only fully resolved in January after over two years and now things at work.for.me.are.as.I would wish them to be.

  • in reply to Kitsune

    nothing....Don't even start me on t he union... I'll PM you

  • in reply to Bookworm

    What does your rep say about it? I’m not sure they’re actually allowed to dismiss a diagnosis, they do have to take it into account 

  • in reply to Kitsune

    Thanks Kitsun, but that's the impression I'm getting from them, maybe because they are a large well known organisation but I still feel, this does not mean all employees are well enough versed on AS to make this judgement. I am so angry and feel they should know better. I am at my wits end.

  • That’s so out of order for your employer to question your diagnosis. If you’re diagnosed with AS then you have AS. It sounds like it would just suit your employer for you not to have AS as then they wouldn’t be obligated to make reasonable adjustments but they have no right to dismiss a diagnosis. Would they behave the same towards someone with a visible physical disability I wonder?