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Not autistic diagnosis

notthatmuchautistic

Hello,

This morning I have my diagnosis from NHS. they told me that while I have autistic traits and they understand why I would pursuit an assessment, I didn't  make the criteria for a diagnosis, they mention specially my empathy and my facial expressions, that are normal.

I don't  know how to feel. I have a child with autism and our similarities was what made me search for an evaluation.

At the moment, I have some accommodations at my job that are in place under the premise that I am undergoing the process of autism diagnosis. Those adaptations have made my life much easier  and I don't  want to cry every day when I am going to my job (like before).

I am guessing  that once my job knows that I don't  have autism I am losing  that help and I don't  know what to do.

I don't  want to be the kind of person that take advantage  of the system and have benefits  that doesn't  need, but I do struggle and now I don't know what to do next.

I hope this post doesn't  offend people with autism, I know this forum  is for the autistic community and I am not sure if I should  post.

Parents

  • I am so sorry to hear this and I feel quite angry on your behalf at the assessors who have left you feeling so lost and unsure.

    I'm wondering if there is now some pressure on assessors to be more rigid in their assessment, to stop so many people being diagnosed - partly to disprove the idea that some people have that "everyone is a bit autistic" and partly to make sure people are unable to claim benefits. 

    I feel great empathy for you, and I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I was so worried about the possibility of being told I wasn't autistic that I never pursued a formal diagnosis. I am who I am, I have many struggles and issues that I share with the formally diagnosed adults in this community, and I try to support others on this forum.

    I did get adjustments at work in my last job (I'm retired now) and I didn't need to prove I was autistic. I explained that I had sensory issues and needed a different environment to save me getting stressed. An employer has a duty towards the health & safety of their employees - which includes mental health. If I was you I would explain to your employer that the assessors feel that you do not fit all the criteria to be classed as disabled, but you still have some strong autistic traits which mean that you need adjustments to prevent damage to your mental health.

    Whether or not you go for a second opinion and whether or not you get a formal diagnosis, you are welcome here.

Reply

  • I am so sorry to hear this and I feel quite angry on your behalf at the assessors who have left you feeling so lost and unsure.

    I'm wondering if there is now some pressure on assessors to be more rigid in their assessment, to stop so many people being diagnosed - partly to disprove the idea that some people have that "everyone is a bit autistic" and partly to make sure people are unable to claim benefits. 

    I feel great empathy for you, and I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I was so worried about the possibility of being told I wasn't autistic that I never pursued a formal diagnosis. I am who I am, I have many struggles and issues that I share with the formally diagnosed adults in this community, and I try to support others on this forum.

    I did get adjustments at work in my last job (I'm retired now) and I didn't need to prove I was autistic. I explained that I had sensory issues and needed a different environment to save me getting stressed. An employer has a duty towards the health & safety of their employees - which includes mental health. If I was you I would explain to your employer that the assessors feel that you do not fit all the criteria to be classed as disabled, but you still have some strong autistic traits which mean that you need adjustments to prevent damage to your mental health.

    Whether or not you go for a second opinion and whether or not you get a formal diagnosis, you are welcome here.

Children
  • in reply to Lotus
    Lotus said:
    I did get adjustments at work in my last job (I'm retired now) and I didn't need to prove I was autistic. I explained that I had sensory issues and needed a different environment to save me getting stressed. An employer has a duty towards the health & safety of their employees - which includes mental health. If I was you I would explain to your employer that the assessors feel that you do not fit all the criteria to be classed as disabled, but you still have some strong autistic traits which mean that you need adjustments to prevent damage to your mental health.

    A charity that works in this area offers this guidance regarding the need / absence of need for a diagnosis:

    "Whilst statutory guidance states that a medical diagnosis is not strictly required when proving disability, you should note that expert medical evidence is routinely called for by tribunals when they deal with autism and other mental, behavioural and cognitive conditions.

    As we have mentioned above, you can certainly ask for adjustments and you may find that your employer provides them to you without asking for further evidence. You should, however, consider getting examined and diagnosed if your employer decides to push back."

    Employment Autism - Need a formal diagnosis to qualify for adjustments