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My son has his autism assessment next week, but is reluctant as feels it may hold him back with employment

Mattyb

My son who is already physically disabled, feels any positive diagnosis would not only give him another label but would hold him back from future employment opportunities, once he has finished his education.He has waited 4 years for the assessment.

I totally understand why he feels this way but am unsure how to advise him.

Has anyone had experience of a positive diagnosis affecting young people with employment into any industries?

Parents

  • Hi Mattyb,

    I apologise for the late reply, I haven't logged in for a long time on here!

    I know you're asking about diagnosis affecting young people, but I thought it might help from my perspective as an older person.

    I was diagnosed ASD at the age of 57, in 2017. It was a huge relief to find out I was on the autism spectrum, as it explained a lot of problems I've had, especially in the world of work. Although I haven't been in work since the diagnosis, I really feel that had I been, I think would have told my employer. One thing I found concurrent to the diagnosis was that my processing was/is slower than other peoples, and more than once I had disparaging comments from a line manager about this (this was long before I knew I was on the spectrum). Had I disclosed I definitely feel things would have been better for me.

    Your son should certainly do what he feels is right for him, as he is the best judge of that, but as Martin said earlier, employers have to make reasonable adjustments. Employers should also be made aware of how many positives there are to employing autistic people (our eye for detail and tenacity for example). Those I have disclosed to since my diagnosis have been very helpful, and it makes a world of difference.

    I'm sorry I can't be much more help, but I wish your son good luck with his assessment, and his future career. Perhaps the best thing is that when he starts on his career, he'll be more relaxed and prepared.

    Good luck for the future!

Reply

  • Hi Mattyb,

    I apologise for the late reply, I haven't logged in for a long time on here!

    I know you're asking about diagnosis affecting young people, but I thought it might help from my perspective as an older person.

    I was diagnosed ASD at the age of 57, in 2017. It was a huge relief to find out I was on the autism spectrum, as it explained a lot of problems I've had, especially in the world of work. Although I haven't been in work since the diagnosis, I really feel that had I been, I think would have told my employer. One thing I found concurrent to the diagnosis was that my processing was/is slower than other peoples, and more than once I had disparaging comments from a line manager about this (this was long before I knew I was on the spectrum). Had I disclosed I definitely feel things would have been better for me.

    Your son should certainly do what he feels is right for him, as he is the best judge of that, but as Martin said earlier, employers have to make reasonable adjustments. Employers should also be made aware of how many positives there are to employing autistic people (our eye for detail and tenacity for example). Those I have disclosed to since my diagnosis have been very helpful, and it makes a world of difference.

    I'm sorry I can't be much more help, but I wish your son good luck with his assessment, and his future career. Perhaps the best thing is that when he starts on his career, he'll be more relaxed and prepared.

    Good luck for the future!

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