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When AS is not "significant impairment"

longman

I would like to introduce a thread that deals with AS/ASD with lesser impairment - when those diagnosed do not strictly meet the requirement of "significant impairment". These are the people with ASD/AS who are able to manage their lives or who have not been successful in claiming support or whose access to support is being challenged under the new constraints.

From other dialogue here, there is clearly some concern amongst those with significant impairment that too many people are being diagnosed who are perceived as not fitting the "significant impairment" criteria.  That includes people who have improved/ "been cured" since original diagnosis.

Some of this may otherwise belong under "Living on the Spectrum", but I feel there are a lot of concerns under diagnosis and assessment that need addressing where people are managing to cope with impairment and have some degree of fulfilment. This includes socialising, relationships, travel, work etc. However the reason I bring this up is that there are maybe significant issues for those who do not meet the "significantly impoaired" criteria that differ from the latter. I don'r feel these get a fair hearing.

If the moderators want to move this to "Living on the Spectrum" fair enough, but can you please do it so that there is an opportunity to discuss issues affecting those with "lesser impairment"

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    longman said:
    ...What makes it difficult for AS people in the workplace though is the NT obsession with difference. This has to do with hierarchy and each individual's perception of their place in the hierarchy.  The workplace is not greatly removed from school.

    They get worried if one member of the group might not play along with every aspect of the "game", and they seem bound to explore the extent of any weakness...

    ..The NT curiosity about anyone who might not fit seems to be obsessive. I frequently had complaints raised that I was unsuited to being in the team, in many different job situations. It never came to anything, as they couldn't produce any meaningful grievance. But the process was disruptive and uncomfortable.

    Hence I often wonder how far people in the spectrum's experience of insurmountable difficulty in the workplace, which forces them to quit, or gets them dismissed, is that NT colleagues/workmates cannot let difference rest. Of course if the AS disability is known, they wont put themselves at risk by being openly prejudiced. But they find ways.

    I know exactly what you mean but I'm not sure how it can be dealt with - except by faking and/or copying responses that hide the differences between those on  and off the spectrum.  I didn't like socializing with my colleagues outside office hours.  Once the working day ended I wanted out but on a number of occasions it was made clear to me by my boss that I upset my colleagues by being (as he put it) "stand offish".  I never did understand why this should upset them. I'm only thankful that I escaped those appalling and compulsory "bonding" weekends that became so popular after I retired.

    With regard to the question of support for those diagnosed in adulthood, I've noticed on another AS webside that there are many parents of autistic children who resent the idea of diverting funds to those who have been diagnosed as adults.  One poster put it quite bluntly.  He believed that anyone who was in work - and had a well-paid and prestigious job - shouldn't seek NHS funded support   nor ask for "special treatment" in certain areas of their working life which caused them stress since this might cause prejudice and difficulties for young people trying to find work.   

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  • Former Member
    Former Member

    longman said:
    ...What makes it difficult for AS people in the workplace though is the NT obsession with difference. This has to do with hierarchy and each individual's perception of their place in the hierarchy.  The workplace is not greatly removed from school.

    They get worried if one member of the group might not play along with every aspect of the "game", and they seem bound to explore the extent of any weakness...

    ..The NT curiosity about anyone who might not fit seems to be obsessive. I frequently had complaints raised that I was unsuited to being in the team, in many different job situations. It never came to anything, as they couldn't produce any meaningful grievance. But the process was disruptive and uncomfortable.

    Hence I often wonder how far people in the spectrum's experience of insurmountable difficulty in the workplace, which forces them to quit, or gets them dismissed, is that NT colleagues/workmates cannot let difference rest. Of course if the AS disability is known, they wont put themselves at risk by being openly prejudiced. But they find ways.

    I know exactly what you mean but I'm not sure how it can be dealt with - except by faking and/or copying responses that hide the differences between those on  and off the spectrum.  I didn't like socializing with my colleagues outside office hours.  Once the working day ended I wanted out but on a number of occasions it was made clear to me by my boss that I upset my colleagues by being (as he put it) "stand offish".  I never did understand why this should upset them. I'm only thankful that I escaped those appalling and compulsory "bonding" weekends that became so popular after I retired.

    With regard to the question of support for those diagnosed in adulthood, I've noticed on another AS webside that there are many parents of autistic children who resent the idea of diverting funds to those who have been diagnosed as adults.  One poster put it quite bluntly.  He believed that anyone who was in work - and had a well-paid and prestigious job - shouldn't seek NHS funded support   nor ask for "special treatment" in certain areas of their working life which caused them stress since this might cause prejudice and difficulties for young people trying to find work.   

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