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Is it worth a diagnosis

WhatsNext1980

Hi,

so, brief history of me - I have a job, reasonably successful but struggle with social and relationships. I confuse what people are saying with what I think they mean, I hide in a corner or with very familiar people at any social function, I get very upset when what I think the 'rule am are get broken - lateness for example. In relationships I struggle to talk and communicate and arguments never start, I simply stop talking and try and hide. If I get pushed/pressed it makesme worse. I have one friend who I talk to every day but he knows me well and ignores or looks over some of my oddities and is always ready to switch topics or talk over my silence when needed.

what I'm trying to decide is whether there's value in a diagnosis... Reading a book recently made me think ' yes - they're describing me. Someone who finally thinks like I do' but do i need someone to confirm it or do I just work on the assumption that I am ? My job won't change, I don't need financial support, I'm high functioning ... But would it help socially and relationship wise to be able to tell people I'm a little different? Would it help me understand me better if it was confirmed ? 

Im not sure I can cope with NHS waiting lairs and a private diagnosis seems to be £2,500 ... I would just appreciate people's thoughts or if there's a cheaper option if I want a 'non-formal' diagnosis as its not like i need to convince the goverment I need support?

please - I'd appreciate the thoughts of others who have been making this journey longer than me ?

Parents

  • Although I've been "making this journey" for a while I have not so far been through an assessment or had a diagnosis.

    One thing that I particularly noticed was that you say your job wrong change. Perhaps your job is very secure, but do consider that your job could end at some point e.g. redundancy. If you are ever in the situation of looking for another job (or even a change to your current role) it may be important to have a diagnosis 1) for legal protection against discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 2) if you are starting in a new place of work with unfamiliar people, who may not be as naturally accommodating as your current colleagues.

    If you do find yourself in a position where a diagnosis would be helpful, the NHS waiting times (once you actually get onto the right waiting list) are likely to be far too slow to use, for example if you are given a few weeks' redundancy dismissal notice.

    If you ever end up having to claim out of work benefits it could be useful to have clear documentation of ASD (assuming you were to be diagnosed with ASD), for claiming benefits, for getting support to apply for benefits, for employment support and for advocating for any details of a "claimant commitment" if you claim JSA.

    So I suppose I'm saying that, although life may be stable and manageable at the moment, it is worth considering whether assessment and diagnosis could be helpful to pursue now, to help negate difficulties if your circumstances were to change in future.

    As you say, there are private options. I'm not sure whether NAS would hold details of people only undertaking an assessment but who are not able to diagnose. I have been told of someone in Scotland who charges £600 for an assessment but I think it would be against forum rules to post these details. I haven't seen this person so can't comment on the experience. Their details and an individual's experience were PMd to me on a different forum.

Reply

  • Although I've been "making this journey" for a while I have not so far been through an assessment or had a diagnosis.

    One thing that I particularly noticed was that you say your job wrong change. Perhaps your job is very secure, but do consider that your job could end at some point e.g. redundancy. If you are ever in the situation of looking for another job (or even a change to your current role) it may be important to have a diagnosis 1) for legal protection against discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 2) if you are starting in a new place of work with unfamiliar people, who may not be as naturally accommodating as your current colleagues.

    If you do find yourself in a position where a diagnosis would be helpful, the NHS waiting times (once you actually get onto the right waiting list) are likely to be far too slow to use, for example if you are given a few weeks' redundancy dismissal notice.

    If you ever end up having to claim out of work benefits it could be useful to have clear documentation of ASD (assuming you were to be diagnosed with ASD), for claiming benefits, for getting support to apply for benefits, for employment support and for advocating for any details of a "claimant commitment" if you claim JSA.

    So I suppose I'm saying that, although life may be stable and manageable at the moment, it is worth considering whether assessment and diagnosis could be helpful to pursue now, to help negate difficulties if your circumstances were to change in future.

    As you say, there are private options. I'm not sure whether NAS would hold details of people only undertaking an assessment but who are not able to diagnose. I have been told of someone in Scotland who charges £600 for an assessment but I think it would be against forum rules to post these details. I haven't seen this person so can't comment on the experience. Their details and an individual's experience were PMd to me on a different forum.

Children
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