Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
I'm new here, and came to this website because I've got some questions.
In September last year my depression relapsed again for the third time in three years. I went to my GP and she referred me for psychological assessment. At the assessment the psychologist referred me for therapy for my depression and anxiety but also referred me for an adult autism assessment. I thought nothing of the latter until the letter came through offering an appointment.
I attended the autism assessment this morning, and won't learn the outcome for a couple of weeks. But I don't know what a diagnosis (or non-diagnosis) is going to mean, and how it can help. I know I think differently to other people and struggle with some aspects of social interaction, but I work full time, I've got a mortgage on my own house, and I've learned to cope with being social. I'm 43, I'm just not sure how it's going to help make a difference either way.
Graham357
From an employment perspective, a formal diagnosis will enable you to ask for reasonable adjustments to help with your work (www.equalityhumanrights.com/.../employment-workplace-adjustments).
There are also benefits to a formal diagnosis which you have not considered. For example, when I needed weekly blood tests the system was first come, first served (a terrible system for someone with Asperger's). I mentioned to my care co-ordinator the anxiety this was causing and she suggested I mention I have Asperger's and ask for a time slot. I spoke with the phlebotomy department's receptionist and, whilst she could not allocate me a time slot, she arranged for me to be seen straight away each week (this was almost the same as a time slot as I reached the department at the same time each week).
Hi, unfortunately that link didn’t work for me. What sort of things would count as reasonable adjustments?
Apologies, I did not notice that the bracket and full stop had been included in the link. The link is:https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/multipage-guide/employment-workplace-adjustments
I have tested the above link and it works. I have also corrected the original link.