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Repercussions of a diagnosis

NAS51444
Hi all
I have an appointment for an autism assessment in a few weeks. I've seen a news story today about having to declare a diagnosis to the DVLA, and this has got me thinking about the possible repercussions of an autism diagnosis. 
I wondered if anyone can give me an idea of how an autism diagnosis in adulthood can have a negative impact when it comes to the practical elements of day-to-day life. It has occurred to me that travel insurance could be affected, but I suspect there are other things I have overlooked and wouldn't become aware of unless I got a diagnosis.
In light of the DVLA news story I am now considering cancelling my assessment, which would be a shame as I've waited almost three years. But I'm scared about the potential discrimination that could result from it.

Thanks very much in advance.

  • in reply to NAS51444

    Yes, I'd say benefits outweigh negatives by a huge margin. Appointments are like gold dust :-)

  • in reply to Trainspotter

    Hi all, thanks very much for the replies. The general feeling seems to be that it's worth getting a diagnosis even if it causes inconvenience, and this is what I'm leaning towards. I've waited so long for an appointment that I'd probably regret it if I abandoned all hope of finding out just a few weeks before the appointment.

    I think it spooked me when I read about the DVLA news story because it hit me that although I suspect I'm autistic, if I was to be officially given that 'label' then it could affect how I'm treated by certain organisations and people.

    I'm definitely a safe driver though - been driving nearly 20 years with no accidents or near misses so as long as they're not routinely confiscating licences just because of a diagnosis then I should be fine.

    Thanks again!

  • Whether or not you go for assessment, it won't change a thing as to whether you are autistic or not.

    The DVLA would only take your licence away from you if it thought your condition was dangerous for you to drive with, taking into account your GP's report which they ask for.  And my opinion as to what I would think would be that if it was me I would not want to drive if I was considered a dangerous driver.

    Things they apparently take account of would be your regard of rules.  If you totally disregard them (as someone on the parallel post  about the DVLA has suggested they do, you would be just the sort of person they wanted to take the licence from.  A car is a lethal weapon in the wrong hands and that is why standards are applied, however unjust we may think they are.  The previous self certification must have been deemed to be a bit vague with some 'slipping through the net'.  I do not think by any means that everyone will inform the DVLA, far from it, and there is a good chance you would not be found out, but that is why a large fine is imposed for failing to notify if you are found out.

    I think we are worrying too much though about the possibility of having our licences taken from us.  We did after all pass the test with autism and that has not changed.  Volatility may be a reason to take the licence away, as would 'wandering attention', but not being sociable would not be.  And it would all be a question of degree.

    I would go for the assessment.  It has been a great help to me, both in being able to understand myself and in the doors it has opened for specialised help.  Your GP would have a duty to inform the DVLA anyway if (s)he thought your driving may be affected adversely in a serious way by a condition whether diagnosed or not. 

  • Medisure not media urge. Thanks auto correct!

  • I only just got a diagnosis last week so I don't have much experience with how it will affect life. My feeling is that it's not going to make much of a difference. You are still who you are, and a label doesn't change that. I've only just heard the news about DVLA this morning, and I'm not really sure if it will make much of a difference, it doesn't seem like they are going to take away your driving license, but it seems like it's a precaution so that they can deal with situations better in case any accidents happen. Maybe you can discuss this with your assessor during the assessment regarding the DVLA and other possible discriminations, and you can decide at the end of the assessment whether you want the diagnosis or not.

  • I guess it depends on why you decided to get assessed in the first place? For me it has made such a difference to my mental health that I’d say it was worth any extra hassles with eg the DVLA. As far as travel insurance goes I did a quote with a specialist insurance company in uk (media urge I think) and it didn’t seem to make a lot of (if any) difference to costs - that was on top of the other things I already declare though so don’t know. You could check that out on line pretty easily though.

    I’m not sure if there’s anything else that may be a problem? For instance I have declared it at work because getting reasonable adjustments in place was part of the point of diagnosis for me. You don’t have to tell work though. I’d be interested in other people’s views on this too as I was only diagnosed myself I months or so ago. I guess in a some careers, eg military, you may have to disclose and it may then make a difference?

    For me definately worth it though. No question at all.