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Doctor stated that Autism is not a medical condition.

asrcool

Hi.

I have Aspergers and yesterday an occupational health doctor stated to me that Autism is not a medical condition and as such does not warrant any workplace adjustments.

I am outraged by this and very confused, can anybody clarify if this is correct? 

Remploy have asked for a few minor adjustments at work, given my difficulties, however my workplace referred me to the occupational health doctor for clarification and the doctor just played down any difficulty that I had.

He is writing a report to my workplace stating these things and I am most upset about it.

Can anybody tell me if this is correct and if it is not, can anybody point me in the direction of a website/information that clearly proves the doctor wrong? I am currently getting a letter together to send to him/his manager to complain.

Thanks.

Parents

  • I am surprised - I thought that autism was always covered by the Equality Act because it is defined as a disability and all disabilities are one of the nine protected characteristics covered by the act. Autism (including Asperger's) is only diagnosed  if someone has 'a clinically significant impairment' that negatively affects some or all areas of daily functioning, such as social relationships, work and occupational functioning, mental health; etc. A 'clinically significant impairment' by nature is a disability!. Can someone please enlighten me as to why the Equality Act might not cover the serious and disabling condition that is Autism?

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  • I am surprised - I thought that autism was always covered by the Equality Act because it is defined as a disability and all disabilities are one of the nine protected characteristics covered by the act. Autism (including Asperger's) is only diagnosed  if someone has 'a clinically significant impairment' that negatively affects some or all areas of daily functioning, such as social relationships, work and occupational functioning, mental health; etc. A 'clinically significant impairment' by nature is a disability!. Can someone please enlighten me as to why the Equality Act might not cover the serious and disabling condition that is Autism?

Children
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