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Can an old diagnosis still be recognised by the NHS?

Cloud44

Hi all,

I have an old Asperger's diagnosis. The assessment was done privately because at the time I didn't want it on my medical records (it was optional then, I don't know if this has changed now). I'll be honest, back then I was quite ashamed of the idea I was autistic and thought it would hold me back, turns out forty years of masking has actually held me back, but that's another story.

Anyway, after experiencing burnout that led to a mental breakdown, I have revaluated my life, I'm finally unmasking and embracing my autism - honestly, it's like a weight has lifted. In order to seek accommodations in future employment, I'm wondering if it has to be an NHS diagnosis? It was done by a registered psychologist who created a full diagnostic report, however I am aware the diagnostic process has changed a lot in recent years. Does anyone know if the NHS will still accept it and what I need to do to get it on my records? Just wondered if anyone can shed any light on this.

This is my first post after stalking this community for a while, it seems really friendly and I'm looking forward to joining :-)

Parents
  • Cloud44 said:
    I'm wondering if it has to be an NHS diagnosis? It was done by a registered psychologist who created a full diagnostic report,

    If the person performing the assessment was a appropriately qualified phychiatrist or psychologist then there should be no problem so long as the formal diagnisis is still available.

    You can submit it to your GP to have it added to your NHS records if you wish - that is what I did (I went privately too).

    Cloud44 said:
    In order to seek accommodations in future employment

    It will help a lot should you choose to disclose it to potential employers, but you really will benefit from working out what the accommodations are that you need and if they are viable.

    For example if you can't cope with speaking to people then if you go for a helpdesk job then don't be surprised if this is refused.

    Many on this site have said they don't disclose their diagnosis until they are out of the probation period as some employers do not have a very accommodating mindset for those of us with conditions such as autism and they think we will be a liability and will either not hire you or encourage you to leave by making the job so unpalatable that you resign.

    It can be a minefield, especially for older staff who are already likely to experience ageism.

    That is my opinion anyway.

Reply
  • Cloud44 said:
    I'm wondering if it has to be an NHS diagnosis? It was done by a registered psychologist who created a full diagnostic report,

    If the person performing the assessment was a appropriately qualified phychiatrist or psychologist then there should be no problem so long as the formal diagnisis is still available.

    You can submit it to your GP to have it added to your NHS records if you wish - that is what I did (I went privately too).

    Cloud44 said:
    In order to seek accommodations in future employment

    It will help a lot should you choose to disclose it to potential employers, but you really will benefit from working out what the accommodations are that you need and if they are viable.

    For example if you can't cope with speaking to people then if you go for a helpdesk job then don't be surprised if this is refused.

    Many on this site have said they don't disclose their diagnosis until they are out of the probation period as some employers do not have a very accommodating mindset for those of us with conditions such as autism and they think we will be a liability and will either not hire you or encourage you to leave by making the job so unpalatable that you resign.

    It can be a minefield, especially for older staff who are already likely to experience ageism.

    That is my opinion anyway.

Children
  • in reply to Iain

    Thank you. I'm not really sure what accommodations I need to be honest. I won't be applying for anything I know I can't cope with.  

    I've vowed never to put up with the way I was previously treated again though. If a workplace doesn't want me, that's fine, I'd rather not work and live on basics than be in that situation again (very bad workplace bullying). 

    The masking was so exhausting and didn't fully work anyway. I'm working on understanding that some of the problems were caused by misunderstanding and communication, so I'd rather be honest and open in the future so people know if I've said something they deem too blunt or haven't understood what they meant, I'm not doing it on purpose to antagonise them.  

    Iain said:
    You can submit it to your GP to have it added to your NHS records if you wish - that is what I did (I went privately too).

    If it's added to your records, do you get offered and NHS based support or does it not really make a difference? I've been looking at my report again (and photocopying it because I forgot I may hold the only copy now in existence) and it's very thorough and signed off a registered psychologist so I'm hoping it will be accepted if an employer does ask to see it.

    I think I just want to be left alone in the workplace and not dragged into the politics. I know there are places to work, such as councils, who are guarantee you an interview if you disclose, although I don't know much about how it all works.