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Can a diagnosis be a hindrance, e.g. applying to university

Niff

We have an assessment tomorrow for our 9 year old son. 

If diagnosed with autism, I guess this will have to be listed on future job and university applications. I am concerned a diagnosis could be a hindrance. Has anyone experience of this?

The ASD clinic say that a diagnosis is not a route to other services, but they would signpost to guidance. But, I can find this guidance whether or not he is diagnosed. My son is 9 and he does want to understand his behaviours, but, again, a diagnosis is not needed for that.

Could a diagnosis potentially create problems, without actually helping much?

  • So glad it was positive and helped you move forward.

  • Thanks for your reassurance Possum, which helped us to decide to accept a diagnosis of ASD yesterday.

  • You do not have to disclose a diagnosis of autism in either an educational or employment context. We have a high functioning youngster at uni. It's absolutely your (his) choice. Hope this helps.

  • Thanks for your reassurance, which is much appreciated. I wonder where I can get a definitive answer about whether or not one has to disclose a diagnosis of autism to an employer, educational establishment, or other organisation, or even an insurance company.

    I wonder if it would be just a case of an organisation taking a dim view of non disclosure if something went wrong, or if it could be seen as a breach of contract with serious consequences.

  • Former Member
    Former Member

    A diagnosis does not change who anyone is, it is just extra information. Nobody is allowed to discriminate against anyone with a diagnosis but equally noone is obliged to disclose a diagnosis unless they see an advantage to disclosing. It is private information that is for the subject's benefit. A college or university may ask for relevant information such as this and they are obliged to provide reasonable adjustments but are not allowed to discriminate on the basis of this information. If one did not disclose it at application and then a problem arose then they may take a dim view but if you do disclose then the onus is on them to provide assistance.