Hi, it’s my first time posting here, and if possible I’d appreciate some advice. I’m a secondary school teacher in the UK and have worked in the same inner city school for 22 years. I’m being assessed for ASC in two weeks. Over the years, I’ve been by and large successful after developing my own coping strategies, double and treble checking every lesson before delivery. I get along with everyone although I prefer to work alone in terms of planning and have my own work space and space to eat lunch.
My school are supportive, and after really struggling with change (and continued anxiety due to chance) during lockdown, agreed to my request for morning meetings with my coach (everyone has a work coach). School have made many reasonable adjustments to support me and have agreed to support the assessment process. (It’s being funded via BUPA who my employer pay for). I decided to go down the formal assessment route after colleagues asked if I was autistic, and why I struggled the way I do. I need to have those answers for definite for my own peace of mind.
My coach has written a letter to the assessment team detailing the difficulties I have, and has been a fantastic support since I asked for help. Nothing has been too much trouble if I’ve asked. I have stated that although I wish to share my diagnosis with the Head and my coach in order to ensure support continues, I don’t wish to share with other staff members. They accept me and my differences anyway so I don’t feel the need to share a diagnosis. My coach has assured me it won’t impact on anything negatively work wise and they will continue to support me in the same way. Currently, I meet my coach each morning, run through the day/ any changes, have a quiet working and lunch space, ask for time out if needed, have exemption from busy whole staff meetings etc, can text/ ring my coach at any time (including on her day off).....they have worked with what I have needed. In return they have a dedicated employee who would do anything for them.
Are there any teachers who have found having a formal diagnosis has been a positive step?
How has it helped you?
what other adjustments have you found beneficial?
Have you shared your diagnosis with a select few/ more widely at work?
If you could give me one/ two pieces of advice what would they be?
Thanks for reading his far!
