• Replies 6 replies
  • Subscribers 33 subscribers
  • Views 886 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Getting a diagnosis

NAS84611

I’m 21, have just received a date for an assessment after being on the NHS waitlist for over 2 years, I received a letter stating the disadvantages of getting a diagnosis and now I’m having second thoughts about whether or not it’s worth it. It stated the problems with life insurance premiums, getting jobs, not being able to emigrate, I’m also worried it would impact my ability to adopt. I’ve been looking for information online about how likely it is that it’ll impact me, but a lot of the information is from the US or not specific to my situation with being an adult woman. Just looking for advice or any information about how it might impact me.

  • in reply to Fibonacci Squid

    Thanks. I'll edit my post to be clearer that I meant as an adult.

  • in reply to Autonomistic

    We've had a few young males complaining about their childhood diagnosis preventing them from joining the army, but that's it as far as I'm aware, and that's an incredibly specific issue

  • As if you're not already anxious enough about your assessment they send a letter like that! Cynical me thinks they're trying to get the waiting lists down by any means possible.

    In the time I've been on here I can't recall anyone regretting receiving their diagnosis as an adult. 

  • First off, I'd argue a diagnosis doesn't affect getting jobs, ableism does. You don't have to disclose autism to employers when applying, and being an undiagnosed autistic can prevent getting jobs and also prevent getting support around them so that point is ridiculous. The only job that can actively say no because you're autistic is the army. Anyone else doing that is discrimination.

    The emigration thing is in referral to australia's immigration system. They have a health and social care requirement. Autism can affect this. It's a horrificly discriminatory position against disabled people. Decide whether you want to move to Australia I guess? They do also do an investigation so it's not impossible even if you weren't diagnosed they'd refuse you based on the fact they thought you might be autistic, and that's if you met their other requirements. I can attach a fact sheet if you're really interested? 

    Life insurance premiums, no clue, seems bizarre, and I would suggest other factors would be taken into account.

    Now the one you're worried about, adoption. I'd tentatively suggest that given this incredibly pessimistic and dubiously accurate letter didn't include it you're probably safe? A load of things count towards adoption, mostly about whether you can take care of a kid. Plenty of autistic people have children, you'll find a fair few of them here. If you can show you'll be able to parent and meet their other conditions, discrimination solely based on the autism diagnosis is just that, discrimination

    Hope that helps, let me know if you're still worried or want any other information 

    Hope the assessment goes well

  • A letter! My goodness they really are trying to out people off. I was never told such things when I spoke to a GP about it. Hopefully someone can give you some advice on this, as it’s the first I’ve heard of it.