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Just diagnosed as level 1 autistic at 45 and applied for disability…should I have?

Daiseegurl

I’ve just been diagnosed “officially” as level one autistic.  
Have struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life but didn’t know it was because of asd. 
Only worked part time for last 13 years.  (Years ago, worked full time but struggled mentally/emotionally and was completely miserable.) Live with mom so that’s why I’m “ok” financially. 

I applied for disability but now don’t know if I should cancel application.  I just figure they’re going to say ‘no’ and the uncertainty of what to expect from this process is causing me stress.  So I might cancel application…idk.

Just venting here I guess.

  • Level 1 autism? Maybe if you earn more EXP, you'll reach level 2 autism!

    ...sorry, I couldn't help myself

  • in reply to DormouseAtRest_25

    Wow!  Thank you so much!  Did you just look that up for me? If so, that’s very kind and thank you for the time you put into that!  That was so much helpful information!  I very much appreciate your input!  Will be checking out resources you shared. 
    All the best!

    Will update about my application as it progresses 

  • in reply to DormouseAtRest_25

    Wow, it's actually really interesting to see what support looks like around the world for autistic people.

    Good luck Daiseegurl, I wish you luck with your application!

  • I am based in the UK, so my knowledge of autism support arrangements in Canada is limited.  However, my understanding is that part of Canada's Autism Strategy is to include within it's Guiding Principles a "Life-course approach" - where the stated goal is to "improve health and well-being at all life stages".

    Maybe it would be helpful for you to think of your autism diagnosis and application for disability in that way - as something to better support your health and well-being both now and for the future.

    I believe Canada operates some national support schemes and there can be other programs at provincial and territorial levels too.  You can lookup a bit more about these local programs and supports from the following webpage:

    www.canada.ca/.../supports-services.html

    Priority 1 is diagnosis, and Priority 2 is economic inclusion.  You have been doing the type of work within your capability and capacity as an autistic person. 

    Things like tax measures and benefits are intended to support you were you are unable to work full-time.  In Canada: the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)  - to help reduce the amount of income tax you pay - and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Strategic Fund - addressing some of the barriers identified by the Disability Advisory Committee - are examples of national initiatives aimed at supporting Canada's autistic people.

    There is more guidance available from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) here (including a Benefits Calculator to help you understand for which payments you may be entitled).  Towards the bottom of the webpage there is a forms and guidance section about medical expenses and savings plans too, plus a couple of webinars about DTC and benefits and credits for persons with disabilities too - it might be helpful to view these webinars to potentially help you to better understand whatever reply you might receive as a result of your disability application:

    www.canada.ca/.../tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities.html

    If you have not already done so - you might find helpful visiting the website for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Knowledge Exchange Network (AIDE Canada): https://aidecanada.ca/

    Canada also operates an employment support program called "Ready Willing & Able" designed to help employers and autistic employees better become aware of each others opportunities:

    https://readywillingable.ca/

    If I were in your place, I think I would be inclined to:

    1. try and find out a bit more about the topics from the above resources,
    2. make some brief notes about any questions,
    3. maybe reach out for support from AIDE Canada too and
    4. wait and see what your application outcome might involve.

    Very best of good luck with your application (my apology: this is the limit of my knowledge about autism support in Canada).

    By your disability application; you are effectively investing effort in your future needs and support requirements - not just your immediate circumstances.

    Therefore, no, I would not cancel your application if I were in your situation in Canada.

  • in reply to Mr T

    I’m in Canada.  Since I did the online application already, I’ll just wait and see what happens.  If I hadn’t already done application, I prob wouldn’t have done it at all.  

  • in reply to profdanger

    Thank you for this advice.  I think you’re right.  

  • You are disabled if you consider yourself to be, even before diagnosis that would be the case (if you live under UK law -not sure about US). 

  • I’d say wait up on cancelling it. If they say no, then hey, at least you tried. If they say yes then it is a pleasant surprise!

  • What country do you reside in? 

    If in the UK then PIP or ADP (Scotland) and it will depend how much autism effects your day to day living.

    If you are in USA or elsewhere sorry but I can't help with that.