First assessment tomorrow

Good to hear that there are workplaces like that!

Hope they don't expect obedience though, that's for the army, collaboration doesn't require to completely abandon your own opinions and needs.

Been watching some army cadets training the other day and found it utterly disgusting. Then I wished I could be like those kids, happily following the completely silly orders shouted by some red-faced guy, as it would have prevented me from getting into any trouble at work, but maybe it simply wasn't a place worth working for in that case... 

Congrats! Hope it improves your work situation.

My occu health consultant have been amazing with the whole process. At first My bosses thought I was just being naughty and disobidient but the occu health consult highlighted to them that it is very unusual for an adult to continously repeat the same mistakes when they know it can cost them a career, that's when he reffered me for a psychological assessment within occu health.  The occu health psycologist made a referral for the diagnostic assessment but by that time I was already suspended from my duties and the wating time was about 12 months so my GP wrote to them to bring my name to the TOP due my circumstances.

You are very lucky with your HR and occupatioal health people! I got sent to an OH doctor who decided after very few questions that I suffer from depression and should take antidepressants (which I didn't agree with and didn't do, adding another offence) and was sacked after telling HR that a counsellor had suggested I should be tested for AS.

If they are willing to help you I think your chances to stay in work are pretty good because a lot of it comes down to attitude and how people interpret the "strange" things about you. If they recognise them as difficulties you have that they need to manage somehow and they are willing to get advice with this rather than seeing them as misbehaviour you need to get punished for then that's a great starting point and they will value the things you are good in. Good luck!

I hope you are all well out there. I went for my assessment as planned today. Was anxious at first but but as I eased into it I realised we were reaching the end and my diagnosis was confirmed that I'm on the spectrum. I will meet again in with the Psychologist to discuss support around work and  reasonable adjustments- my problems extent to my work environment and that's how occu health got involved. So support is available but it all comes down to what kind of support you are looking for. In my case I need support to stay in work.

Thanks for all your responses and opinions which I respect a lot. As far as what I'm going to do with the diagnosis I think that comes down to how the condition/ symptoms are impacting on one's personal life hence the level of support that they may need. I know there is something about me that got me to get this assessment - autism or not, the outcome will allow me to make important decisions abouts about future/career plans. 

in response to your question.

I can only speak for myself but while I knew I was differvent, having the diagnosis is helping me to understand my differences and accept them as being a part of me. Having a diagnosis isn't for everyone but I'm finding it helpful for me, plus at last I can ask the questions I've always wanted to and get peer suppor. For me, I wasn't able to deny my differences they're a part of me and always will be, but that's what makes me unique. While there's no cure, it's not a disease. Support is available if people want to access it.

you must make your own decisions about what's best for you. 

Hi there (both of you actually), please don't take this as an offence but do you think there is anything where such a diagnosis will help you? I mean, it will help you to understand why you struggle with the things you struggle with, but do you think it will help you to struggle less? I'm just asking because I didn't want to be diagnosed with anything, I wanted to be told that I'm perhaps not completely average but don't have anything that would be described as a disorder and now I can't see anything where having this diagnosis would be helpful. There is no help after being diagnosed, it's just a statement that you aren't normal and that's it and you can do with this whatever you like. I still wish nobody had ever mentioned it to me but I can't turn the time back so would quite like to find something now that may get easier with having this diagnosis.

hi, I had my assessment today and finally have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder which came as a shock but also a huge relief because I'm 63 and for so many years I've struggled alone, now I no longer need to do that

i hope it goes well for you tomorrow just be yourself.

Best Wishes 

Aspie