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ASD just confirmed. What Next? Mental Health and Employment

Beepee1984

I'm 36, so slightly late in life to be getting a diagnosis. Referred by the Mental Health team as they believed a Specialist ASD team would help with my Anxiety and Depression more than they could as I didn't respond to counselling/CBT is the normal way. My GP response to the referral was 'Oh I thought you had already been diagnosed' so it wasn't a surprise when the assessment team took less than 1/2 the 90 minute initial assessment to confirm the diagnosis.

That was 5 weeks ago, yet it took me until yesterday to be able to say it out loud for the 1st time and told my partner of 14 years. Although I expected the diagnosis it has left me feeling even worse as I feel it just confirms any negativity I thought about myself.

I am still awaiting my post-assessment follow up, but I was wondering what can I expect, where can I go for support.

In Addition, my company moved due to the Covid regulations and originally redundant I am now on a 6 month contract until the end of March to help the relocation, but soon will be looking for a new job.

I am no good at interviews as I struggle to connect with the interviewer and feel that I have no chance competing for a Job at the level I am currently at (I progressed within my current company). Should I disclose my ASD diagnosis to potential employers? I feel that if I do, they would not think me capable of holding a management level job. Any advice would be grateful.

Parents

  • Personally, I wouldn't tick any disability boxes on any forms - they are not allowed to ask that.   I also wouldn't mention it in any application forms or CVs - it immediately qualifies you for the bin.

    I'd always go on how you feel at the interview - it's a mutual 'scoping out' of who you are and the reality of the job compared to the advert.     It's basically both of you converting each other's written words into feelings - whether they want you or if you want the job.

    Think of an interview as a performance - rehearse predictable questions so you sound confident.     I can easily pass interviews with my huge, friendly personality - it gives me the time and space to decide if I really want the job or not - keep the ball in your own court for as long as possible.

    If they really want you, you could mention it in passing at a second or third interview - sort of like " and my Asperger's makes me a stickler for details and compliance" or whatever positives would fit the position your going for.    By then, they would have already got a good feeling for you - or not.  Smiley

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  • Personally, I wouldn't tick any disability boxes on any forms - they are not allowed to ask that.   I also wouldn't mention it in any application forms or CVs - it immediately qualifies you for the bin.

    I'd always go on how you feel at the interview - it's a mutual 'scoping out' of who you are and the reality of the job compared to the advert.     It's basically both of you converting each other's written words into feelings - whether they want you or if you want the job.

    Think of an interview as a performance - rehearse predictable questions so you sound confident.     I can easily pass interviews with my huge, friendly personality - it gives me the time and space to decide if I really want the job or not - keep the ball in your own court for as long as possible.

    If they really want you, you could mention it in passing at a second or third interview - sort of like " and my Asperger's makes me a stickler for details and compliance" or whatever positives would fit the position your going for.    By then, they would have already got a good feeling for you - or not.  Smiley

Children