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Disadvantages of getting and autism diagnosis

NAS74114

Hi I think I may be autistic and am considering trying to get a diagnosis, but I am worried about the negative implications there might be for getting a positive diagnosis and wondering how i might be able to avoid them.

I've read that in some cases it might be harder or more expensive to get insurance and that is something I would really rather avoid.

Another really big concern is that if i were ever to separate from my partner it could impact the custody of my child, right now i am very much the primary parent. 

I can potentially self fund the diagnosis so it wouldn't necessarily need to be in my nhs records, but it is something I would want to be fairly open and honest about and not keep secret. 

  • if you can get to this Lady she is highly recommended by NAS and some of my friends in here

    "(Removed by Mod) it cost me worth every penny"  from S1mon

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  • heres my extra things to include

    Make a list of reasons why u think u are autistic.

    include blood relatives in your family who are autistic or adhd or called weird/different

    and a list of occasions when u have been called weird, autistic, different

    the list should be electronic ie so you can email it to anyone who wants it.

  • here is how to go about a diagnosis 

    If you're in the UK you have two options. You can either go the NHS route or the private route. Both have pros and cons. The NHS route is free but takes longer, anywhere between 1 and 4 years, is common, though around 2 years seems to be the average. The private route is faster, mere months usually, but very expensive. So your financial situation will probably dictate which you route you go down. If you go private, check out the resources on this site for suitable, local private assessment centres. If you go the NHS route you'll need to speak to your doctor and ask to be referred for an ASD assessment. Make sure you're prepared before speaking to him; download the AQ10 and/or AQ50 test, fill it out and score it. That will give you an indication of whether you are on the spectrum, then take it with you when you see the doctor, because that will preempt him giving it to you and telling you to go away and fill it in for him! Also, it's a good idea to list the traits of autism and how you fit them, giving an example of how each one affects you in your day to day life, and share this with the doctor too. If he agrees that you might be on the spectrum, he'll refer you for assessment. Eventually you'll receive a letter telling you whether you've been accepted for assessment or not. Once accepted (because hopefully, your doctor will have supplied enough evidence to persuade them), you'll be put on the waiting list and then it's just a case of waiting until they send you an appointment. Again, it's a good idea to spend this time making notes, recalling specific instances when you struggled in any aspect, from a early as you can remember. Talk to your family, and see what they remember. You'll probably be asked to take someone with you to the assessment who knew you well as a young child (usually a parent or a sibling) but don't worry if there is no one, they'll still be able to assess you. And no, they won't say you're crazy. More and more people are getting diagnosed later in life, having slipped through the net during childhood. Just make sure you're well prepared for your doctors appointment. Good luck!

     

    From JustMe

  • You only need to disclose to DVLA or insurance if it affects your ability to drive.    It doesn't affect me so I haven't disclosed.

    It can be a problem at work - people might treat you as suddenly unpredictable or untrustworthy.

    I'm not sure how it might affect custody - but if your partner is vindictive, who knows what might happen when the mud-slinging starts.

    I went the private diagnosis route - done and dusted within a few weeks - but it's best to get a DWP and NHS-accepted diagnosis in case you might need things in the future - although you don't need to tell them at this stage.

    What sort of symptoms do you have and how is it affecting you?