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trd

Just Diagnosed

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I found out yesterday that I officially have AS.

 

I am now 29 and always thought I was a bit different...think I got really lucky and was diagnosed within 6 months of my first suspicions.

 

Anyway....

 

I feel quite relieved now that I know but I just wondered if anyone knew what the next step is?

 

I am in work but have had to take measures to restrict the amount of responsibility I have put on me...but my boss is very sceptical of AS (I work with PLD so he thinks he knows it all already!). What do I say to him now it's official?

 

Also, and I know this is a stupid question, do I now have a disability? For some reason knowing this is really important to me as I can't find an answer anyhwere!

 

Hope someone can help.

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A warm welcome to the forum trd, :)

 

You did well to get an adult diagnosis in 6 months. The next steps? It all depends. You may be entitled to disability living allowance and you should be covered under the disability discrimination act. The following information and links should point you in the right direction.

 

Disability Living Allowance is a benefit available to children and adults with a disability who are under 65 years old. Benefit Enquiries line 0800 882200.

 

Tips for filling out Disability Living Allowance forms

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=300&a=3773

Department of works and pensions

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/d...v_allowance.asp

 

Guide to filling in the DLA form.

http://www.bhas.org.uk/

 

DRC - the Disability Rights Commission An independent body established in April 2000 by Act of Parliament to stop discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.

http://www.drc-gb.org/index.asp

 

This is the link to Berkshire Autistic. They did a support into employment project and produced Three Guidance Documents which provide advice on employment issues.

http://www.autismberkshire.org.uk/BlueTrim.../employment.htm

 

Good luck, this is a great forum, I hope you find it useful

 

Nellie xx

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Thanks for the welcome. I did pick up some DLA forms today...will fill them in shortly.

 

I suppose I am worried if I will be covered by Disability Discrimination Act or not.

 

Is there any reason why I wouldn't be? Who decides?

 

If I have AS am I covered automatically or are there grey areas?

 

Lots of stuff to take in at the moment.

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Trd,

 

With a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome you have a disability and therefore covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. I think this is covered in the Three Guidance Documents from the employment project.

 

Nellie xx

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Most people I have told (even before diagnosis) don't seem to understand that it is a disability. There always seems to be a lot of suspicion about non-physical disabilities.

 

I am hoping to get a bus pass as although I learnt to drive it absolutely terrifies me; haven't driven since i passed test. I use buses all the time.

 

Is a bus pass a possibility? Anyone with similar experiences?

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I know exactly what you mean about peoples perception of 'a disability'. Mrs P has a condition called Lupus, on her bad days she cannot function at all. Good days can see her out and about like everyone else. Most days are a mix of good and bad. She has a Blue Badge to help her with mobility issues. I have lost count of the looks, stares and comments she/we get because we use the disabled parking spaces. You don't have to be in a wheelchair to be disabled. There is far more to disabilities than not being able to use your legs.

 

If that offends wheelchair users I apologise unreservedly, but my mother-in-law used one for 8 yrs or so before she died and my mum still does - Mrs P should on occasion but won't! I have been forced to use one a few times too over the last few years. So I state the above both as a 'pusher' of w/chairs and an occasional 'sitter' in them.

 

The wheelchair symbol currently in use to denote all things 'disabled' does tend, in my opinion, to reniforce this sterotype somewhat.

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