Any advice for getting an official AS diagnosis?

[MonkeySage]

I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately, especially considering I'm getting a new job in September to help pay for college.

I've been to a doctor, I've asked for a diagnosis. Beyond spending maybe 5 minutes asking me questions, he never actually said anything. He implied that he didn't think I was autistic.

I haven't pressed the issue since, didn't think it would be productive. He did diagnose me with mild depression, and generalized anxiety disorder, but I never got anything else. He put me on a medication I've since stopped taking, but no AS diagnosis...

I'm terrible at reading social cues, I'm socially awkward, I like routine and get very uncomfortable with changes to that routine, I prefer to do things a certain way, and I obsess over details. This all cost me my last job, and ultimately I quit from that job to avoid being fired.

[Razade]

It sounds like you did what you needed to do and they said you weren't. Try another doctor if you think their official diagnosis isn't correct? Why do you need an AS diagnosis in the first place? Or better question, why do you think you have Autism or another Spectrum disorder? Have you been told you have one by another physician? If not, then are you just self diagnosing yourself with one? Have other, not doctors, diagnosed you with one? It's just really strange to go "I was told I didn't have a spectrum disorder but I need a diagnosis saying I do" without really any explanation.

[MonkeySage]

I made an edit to my last post adding more details... But basically, while I have no official diagnosis, i've been told time and time again that I probably am on the spectrum, and I did end up self diagnosing- I hit a lot of the markers, like I mentioned in my previous edit. But the doctor I wound up asking for a diagnosis from didn't seem to care that much- he made us wait 3 hours for him, and spent less than 30 minutes talking to me. And he spent 5 of those minutes asking me a small handful of questions regarding my ability to make friends in grade school. He reasoned that because I had a couple people I actually considered "friends", I couldn't be autistic.

As for why I want this... I feel like an official diagnosis will hold more weight in the eyes of an employer than me simply telling them I'm autistic.

[Honest Tiefling]

Ouch. I am not sure if you are on the spectrum, but see if it is feasible financially to get another diagnosis from someone else.

If he recommended any medication...I would actually go ask another doctor if you should even take it. If he spoke to you for FIVE MINUTES I wouldn't really trust his opinion and anti-depressants aren't always fun to take.

[Telonius]

My brother's on the spectrum (high-functioning Aspie). It took us forever to get a proper diagnosis - though it was back in the 90s when everybody was still conflating ADD, ADHD, and the Autism spectrum, and handing Adderall out like candy.

When you went in for your diagnosis, was it just you and the doctor? If so - and this is something that you'd really have to think about - is there anybody you'd trust enough to be with you at the appointment? If you are on the spectrum, there are cues from the doctor that you might be missing. I know that my parents (both neurotypical as far as I can tell) had to really fight to get their concerns heard for my brother.

[Sajiri]

You should never self diagnose yourself, but if you know there is something wrong, you need to keep trying until you find out what. In high school, I was diagnosed with depression and general anxiety disorders, I went on and off medication, but it wasnt until 15 years later I was finally diagnosed correctly with schizophrenia and ptsd. It took going through many doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and other specialists before I finally got the help I needed.

My point is, as I said, if you know something is wrong, keep going until you get the support you need, but dont self diagnose yourself. I work in special education now (many of my students are ASD), and I couldnt sum them all up with a few statements like 'socially awkward' 'obsessive over details' etc. On the other hand, I've also met several people, including my ex-best friend, who were diagnosed with ASD after only a short session of questions and openly brag there's nothing wrong with them. While trying to get my own diagnosis handled, I can tell you many specialists are unfortunately wary of people who self diagnose or try to claim something is wrong with them just for benefits (not saying that's the case with you) which can make it harder for those who have genuine problems.

If the doctor you saw was no good, try another. Specifically ask whatever clinic you go to if there's someone who specialises in mental health that you can see. Also you weren't clear, but if you stopped taking medication on your own accord without the doctor telling you to do so you should absolutely not do that. If your meds were for depression/anxiety, you're supposed to take them for 9 months after you are feeling better, and it generally can take several months to begin with for your body to adjust to them. I don't know about US, but here they generally want you to start off with this sort of thing, then if time goes by while you are getting treatment for the initial diagnosis (in your case, mild depression and anxiety) and you are doing no better, then they will review further.

[MonkeySage]

My mother was with me at the time- she's NT to the best of my knowledge, and has suspected I wasn't since my high school years. We didn't seriously start talking about it until recently, around the time I lost that library job I mentioned earlier.

[Rockphed]

My brother's on the spectrum (high-functioning Aspie). It took us forever to get a proper diagnosis - though it was back in the 90s when everybody was still conflating ADD, ADHD, and the Autism spectrum, and handing Adderall out like candy.

When you went in for your diagnosis, was it just you and the doctor? If so - and this is something that you'd really have to think about - is there anybody you'd trust enough to be with you at the appointment? If you are on the spectrum, there are cues from the doctor that you might be missing. I know that my parents (both neurotypical as far as I can tell) had to really fight to get their concerns heard for my brother.

My brother took about 15 years, a very unhealthy marriage, and an even less healthy divorce before he got diagnosed properly. He is, likewise, high-functioning asperger (or something like that). After the divorce he got really depressed and spent a good 5 years moping in my parents basement.

For the OP: if you think something is wrong with you mentally and your primary physician can't (or won't) help, see if you can get a referral to a proper Psychiatrist. Physicians have some training in mental health, but things like ADD and Autism can be fairly subtle.

[Anonymouswizard]

He reasoned that because I had a couple people I actually considered "friends", I couldn't be autistic.

*Looks at friends*

*Looks at autism diagnosis*

Yeah, I think your doctor is correct.

In all seriousness, the correct for is to talk to a doctor about it and probably get referred to a psychologist for the final decision (or at least that's what happened with me). There's apparently quite a few adults doing it now.

But if you are autistic then I can tell you it's certainly worth having it in your medical record, if only because it opens up both support in work and because it gives access to support while in education.

Bate in mind you might still come out diagnosed as not autistic, or just not far enough into the spectrum for a diagnosis. But it sounds like the doctor might have been a bit incompetent in this case, so definitely hey a second opinion.

[darkrose50]

I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately, especially considering I'm getting a new job in September to help pay for college.

I've been to a doctor, I've asked for a diagnosis. Beyond spending maybe 5 minutes asking me questions, he never actually said anything. He implied that he didn't think I was autistic.

I haven't pressed the issue since, didn't think it would be productive. He did diagnose me with mild depression, and generalized anxiety disorder, but I never got anything else. He put me on a medication I've since stopped taking, but no AS diagnosis...

I'm terrible at reading social cues, I'm socially awkward, I like routine and get very uncomfortable with changes to that routine, I prefer to do things a certain way, and I obsess over details. This all cost me my last job, and ultimately I quit from that job to avoid being fired.

I am diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. There were something like 14-18 tests they gave me. I have the names of the tests and the results at home someplace.

Here are some common traits:
- Do you get lost at a higher rate than most? I need a GPS to find my way to new-ish places. I hated orienteering in the scouts.
- Do you find eye contact to be an afterthought, uncomfortable, or unnecessary?
- Do you have a one track mind . . . my mother would say that my "needle was stuck" . . . like a record skipping.
- Do you find social interaction difficult, stressful, or tiring? I love parties . . . parties have food . . . and people with similar hobbies that I can talk with.
- Do you flip out at times over stress?
- Do you not enjoy small talk? I do not even want to order a pizza, if I can get my wife to talk for me.
- Do you find it difficult to know when to interject your opinion?
- Do you need to blank out your mind so that you can rest? Usually this is by watching TV, playing computer games, painting . . . something.

I was not diagnosed until I was well into my 30's. I can put up a chameleon persona and appear to be neurotypical most of the time to most people. It is subconscious, and takes mental energy to use. Not using the chameleon-like ability via working over the phone is extremely restful. I know several people with Asperger's Syndrome (four I can think of) and they do not display many or most of the stereotypical behaviors (nothing like rocking or flapping hands). Two are engineers, one has four English degrees, and one is my daughter (I am rather quite sure that she has it, but we will have to wait and see).

A mother of someone with Asperger's Syndrome "diagnosed" me initially. Go find an expert, or some mothers I guess.

[darkrose50]

He reasoned that because I had a couple people I actually considered "friends", I couldn't be autistic.

This doctor is an imbécil.

Ask this doctor how does he figures that having problems reading people's body language and facial expressions equates to the inability to have friends. This line of reasoning is pure distilled idiocy.

This is as ludicrous as saying people that need glasses cannot see. Or that blind people cannot see light (many can see blurred light).

ALL . . . 100% . . . of my friends with Asperger Syndrome have friends.

Want me to set him straight?

[darkrose50]

Self diagnosing has saved me from many medical problems (being dizzy from a chain of medical events, too much mucus as a side-effect of a drug, pinching my ulnar nerve, infected hair follicle from damaging it during shaving, and others). My last doctor could have just been a moron, and I think that she was (but other doctors have missed things). TRUST BUT VERIFY . . . these doctors go nuts with errors! I have had other doctors make mistakes. Holy cow one EXPERT SURGEON who did my sinus surgery almost made a huge mistake! Surgeons tend to have like an IQ of 230 or something nuts like that! But definitely research stuff . . . my doctors missed or misdiagnosed things at a scary rate. Doctors make guesses after talking to you (usually for 15-minutes). You can most definitely out-research a doctor with more time allotted than 15 minutes. I mean a search engine like Google can REALLY supplement a doctors findings, and correct them (what do you mean that is not a side-effect . . . clickity clack . . . yes it is . . . look you fool).

I digress, but my father-in-law drives me nuts with the whole you need to be an expert to know anything in the experts field bull crap. If I told him 2+2=4, he would want to run it by an accountant. One does not need to be a mathematician to see math.

One does not need to have another's opinion to be self aware and have an opinion. One needs another's opinion to have a legal diagnosis. Perhaps say that I have an opinion of what I have, but let me first tell you what the facts are.

Perhaps doctors don't like you saying "I think I have X" because it throws them off, and they want their opinion to be pure.

I would be in a LOAD of hurt if I trusted doctors 100% and did not trust myself. Trust them at like 80% and figure that they screwed something or another up like 20% of the time (mostly it will not matter if they screw something up, but sometimes it will cause you to loose comfort, time, and sanity).

[darkrose50]

*Looks at friends*

*Looks at autism diagnosis*

Yeah, I think your doctor is correct.

In all seriousness, the correct for is to talk to a doctor about it and probably get referred to a psychologist for the final decision (or at least that's what happened with me). There's apparently quite a few adults doing it now.

But if you are autistic then I can tell you it's certainly worth having it in your medical record, if only because it opens up both support in work and because it gives access to support while in education.

Bate in mind you might still come out diagnosed as not autistic, or just not far enough into the spectrum for a diagnosis. But it sounds like the doctor might have been a bit incompetent in this case, so definitely hey a second opinion.

Having my diagnosis was a watershed moment! It was like having someone hand me the manual to my brain! Definitely find an expert. A real expert.

Also jobs knowing that you have it can help. There exists the beginnings of a push for companies to hire us. We have good sides that can be harnessed. I have made my company a lot of money pointing out stupid things and patterns.

Knowing will help you and your employer (some disagree about both parts, especially the employer part, but those who disagree with the first part are dead wrong by a considerable consensus).

[darkrose50]

I presented my therapist / doctor with something like 8-pages of example behavior that I thought would help. It is hard to argue with 8-pages of facts . . . if they do, then beat them down with pure distilled logic . . . and cackle with glee as they whimper away.

[ve4grm]

I'm terrible at reading social cues, I'm socially awkward, I like routine and get very uncomfortable with changes to that routine, I prefer to do things a certain way, and I obsess over details. This all cost me my last job, and ultimately I quit from that job to avoid being fired.

So, one thing to keep in mind as you continue seeing doctors, trying to figure out your diagnosis: you may not actually have ASD.

To be clearer, your symptoms you listed are pretty much what I have as well. I don't have ASD. My situation is a combination of anxiety, OCD, and pretty strong introversion.

All I'm saying is, a variety of things can cause symptoms similar to what you're describing. Be open to the possibility of it being something else, because that means you'll need to tackle it in a different way.

[darkrose50]

So, one thing to keep in mind as you continue seeing doctors, trying to figure out your diagnosis: you may not actually have ASD.

To be clearer, your symptoms you listed are pretty much what I have as well. I don't have ASD. My situation is a combination of anxiety, OCD, and pretty strong introversion.

All I'm saying is, a variety of things can cause symptoms similar to what you're describing. Be open to the possibility of it being something else, because that means you'll need to tackle it in a different way.

Fire trucks tend to be red, but red things are not always fire trucks, and some fire trucks are yellow or green. You also need to look for other things that make up a fire truck. Sometimes you need to ask a fireman.

Folks that test as INTJ's on that personality test tend to closely match someone with Asperger Syndrome (I am an INTJ and I have Asperger Syndrome). Not all those who test as an INTJ have Asperger Syndrome, and not all of those with Asperger Syndrome are INTJ's.

To OP: Yeah sounds familiar. I often EXCEL at a job, but cannot get hired . . . unless I get hired in a group. I suppose that I am a seen as a good backup hire or something.

[Honest Tiefling]

To be clearer, your symptoms you listed are pretty much what I have as well. I don't have ASD. My situation is a combination of anxiety, OCD, and pretty strong introversion.

Same symptoms, and ADHD and anxiety caused by such. A good doctor who talks to you might be more concerned about signs of depression and want to tackle those first before worrying about a diagnosis.

[Anonymouswizard]

To be clearer, your symptoms you listed are pretty much what I have as well. I don't have ASD. My situation is a combination of anxiety, OCD, and pretty strong introversion.

Yeah, I personally have a mixture of autism (not asbergers, I feel I should specify) and dyspraxia, which apparently appear together quite often. Which makes me annoyed that as a kid I always got asked 'don't I know where my body is', one of my symptoms is actually that sense being reduced.

But the same symptoms can point to a lot of other things. The tests to diagnose autism in childhood can be weird, I still remember a couple.

[Peelee]

I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately, especially considering I'm getting a new job in September to help pay for college.

I've been to a doctor, I've asked for a diagnosis. Beyond spending maybe 5 minutes asking me questions, he never actually said anything. He implied that he didn't think I was autistic.

I haven't pressed the issue since, didn't think it would be productive. He did diagnose me with mild depression, and generalized anxiety disorder, but I never got anything else. He put me on a medication I've since stopped taking, but no AS diagnosis...

I'm terrible at reading social cues, I'm socially awkward, I like routine and get very uncomfortable with changes to that routine, I prefer to do things a certain way, and I obsess over details. This all cost me my last job, and ultimately I quit from that job to avoid being fired.

Absolutely get a second opinion, but if enough resonable doctors tell you you're not autistic, listen to them. I'm not trying to say whether you are or not, but some of the things you listed, like bad at social cues and social awkwardness can also simply be attributed to being young. I could argue that I share (or have in the past, I've gotten better about social awkwardness, which is impressive since I've been diagnosed with SAD. My results, I dare say, are not typical) all of the indicators you've shared, to varying degrees. Self-diagnosis can all too easily slip into confirmation bias.

That said, no matter what the cause, it sounds like you're going through a lot (especially coupled with some of your posts concerning college), and I sincerely hope things start going better for you. For whatever little it's worth from an internet stranger, I believe in you.

ETA: Also, I found out that SAD has can refer to something else as well. Cool to know.

[darkrose50]

Some colleges have programs for people with ASD . . see if yours does, and get some opinions.

Get support. Go talk to a professor that teaches about special education or whatnot.

Also some programs go though one class at a time . . . in a cohort . . . this is really nice, if you ask me. Focus on one class for four to six weeks then move on the next class IN ORDER! My god whoever thought of this should be immortalized in statue and song!

I am kind of serious about finding and talking to the mothers of those who have ASD . . . professors, philologists, psychiatrists, and teachers too. Go online and talk to those with ASD. Take some of the online tests to see if you have some of the traits.

[darkrose50]

Yeah, I personally have a mixture of autism (not asbergers, I feel I should specify) and dyspraxia, which apparently appear together quite often. Which makes me annoyed that as a kid I always got asked 'don't I know where my body is', one of my symptoms is actually that sense being reduced.

But the same symptoms can point to a lot of other things. The tests to diagnose autism in childhood can be weird, I still remember a couple.

They don't give out the Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis anymore in America. It is interesting to see people's reactions to hearing that I have that. Educated people think that I am WAY smarter than I am . . . doctors start talking to me in doctor speak, for example. Less educated people tend to think that I am WAY less intelligent than I am.

The first test that seemed to matter was whether or not I looked at the Psychiatrist when he first introduced himself. I did not as I was looking at the seat I was in the process of sitting down on as I talked to him. I think that he timed the question.

The second question was when he asked my parents if I lined up my matchbox cars as a child. I did.

With these two binary tests answered the "Asperger's Syndrome" way . . . I think he was ready to diagnose me . . . right then and there. But first we had the 14-18 tests that he could bill to my HMO to finish before he diagnosed me. It was an interesting experience.

[Honest Tiefling]

If the doctor you saw was no good, try another. Specifically ask whatever clinic you go to if there's someone who specialises in mental health that you can see. Also you weren't clear, but if you stopped taking medication on your own accord without the doctor telling you to do so you should absolutely not do that. If your meds were for depression/anxiety, you're supposed to take them for 9 months after you are feeling better, and it generally can take several months to begin with for your body to adjust to them. I don't know about US, but here they generally want you to start off with this sort of thing, then if time goes by while you are getting treatment for the initial diagnosis (in your case, mild depression and anxiety) and you are doing no better, then they will review further.

I misread the statement that the OP stopped taking their meds. It is important to NOT DO THIS. If you haven't taken them, fine, but don't stop cold turkey. If you have stopped for some time, please make sure there is someone nearby to help you if you get weird effects.


Absolutely get a second opinion, but if enough REASONABLE doctors tell you you're not autistic, listen to them.

Fixed that for you. I've been to enough therapists and psychiatrists and talked to others who did the same to know that some in the field aren't worth a pile of flaming garbage. I am sorry if you are in the field but y'all need some better freaking standards to weed those people out.

Going to a support group is a great idea, and one I must second. You'll find like-minded people who might be able to point you in the direction of someone who will listen, and perhaps ways to improve your life and gain the support you need.

[Peelee]

Fixed that for you. I've been to enough therapists and psychiatrists and talked to others who did the same to know that some in the field aren't worth a pile of flaming garbage. I am sorry if you are in the field but y'all need some better freaking standards to weed those people out.

You're right, and I went ahead and fixed it myself (an attributed it to you, of course*). There's a reason they call it "practicing" medicine, after all.

*Why yes, I do think I'm funny.:smalltongue:

[MonkeySage]

It was my mistake, stopping like that. After finishing off the last bottle, I just never got my prescription renewed- I should have. But, so far after several months I've had no ill effects.

[Anonymouswizard]

They don't give out the Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis anymore in America. It is interesting to see people's reactions to hearing that I have that. Educated people think that I am WAY smarter than I am . . . doctors start talking to me in doctor speak, for example. Less educated people tend to think that I am WAY less intelligent than I am.

The first test that seemed to matter was whether or not I looked at the Psychiatrist when he first introduced himself. I did not as I was looking at the seat I was in the process of sitting down on as I talked to him. I think that he timed the question.

The second question was when he asked my parents if I lined up my matchbox cars as a child. I did.

With these two binary tests answered the "Asperger's Syndrome" way . . . I think he was ready to diagnose me . . . right then and there. But first we had the 14-18 tests that he could bill to my HMO to finish before he diagnosed me. It was an interesting experience.

I got my diagnosis about twelve years ago in my native UK, and I believe it was being given out then.

Honestly I'd have to check the report to see what tests made the difference, but I regret is one of them is figures to tell a story, and I had trouble starting it but not finishing it, plus there were questions about how is interacted with other children when young directed towards my mum.

I have the trouble that I also have a speech impediment, so my diagnosis doesn't affect how people think of my intelligence. When people first meet me they tend to think of me as thick, unless they're foreign in which case many like that it slows me down, but after actually speaking to me and hearing my accent (which is almost RP) it prior start expecting me to little them.

[Red Fel]

Yeah, jumping in on this, several points.

1. If you are not satisfied with the diagnosis (or lack thereof) that you received, speak with another doctor. It is important that if you believe you have a condition you need treated, you seek professional medical attention.

2. Asperger's Syndrome has been removed from the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) altogether. It is no longer an independent diagnosis. Instead, you'd be looking at an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

3. If you are not satisfied with the diagnosis (or lack thereof) that you received, speak with another doctor. It is important that if you believe you have a condition you need treated, you seek professional medical attention.

4. ASD diagnoses are harder to get now than they used to be. The diagnostic criteria are a lot more narrow than they were. The symptoms you described may or may not relate to ASD - they may just be your personality. Don't be surprised if, after consulting with a professional, you don't get the diagnosis you seek.

5. If you are not satisfied with the diagnosis (or lack thereof) that you received, speak with another doctor. It is important that if you believe you have a condition you need treated, you seek professional medical attention.

6. Do not self-medicate, ever. This includes terminating your own medicine. If a doctor prescribes a medication, take it, as directed, until and unless directed otherwise. Saying, "I stopped taking it, but I haven't seen any problems," is no good - you're not a doctor, and even doctors are advised not to self-diagnose. If you believe you have no problems from stopping medication, seek a medical professional and inform them - let them advise you whether to resume medication.

7. And finally, if you are not satisfied with the diagnosis (or lack thereof) that you received, speak with another doctor. It is important that if you believe you have a condition you need treated, you seek professional medical attention.

[Rockphed]

7. And finally, if you are not satisfied with the diagnosis (or lack thereof) that you received, speak with another doctor. It is important that if you believe you have a condition you need treated, you seek professional medical attention.

To add to this, when you see the Psychiatrist, be sure to explain that you believe you have a condition and are thus seeking medical attention. If your arm hurt for no apparent reason and a doctor told you "it is probably just a bruise", you would keep looking for a doctor who took it seriously. Find a psychiatrist who takes your problems seriously. They might still end up telling you that you don't have what you think you have, but they should be serious and complete about it.

[JeenLeen]

It sounds like you are currently in college or about to apply for it. I think most universities offer some counseling and evaluation services for free (both psychiatric and physical). Thus, you might be able to get a second opinion for free through the university.

One other option could be complaining to the physicians' office you were seen at. It sounds like the doctor didn't really give you a sufficient evaluation. If it's just a solo practice, probably nothing to do, but if it's part of a team or group, you might be able to get another physician to see you at low or no cost. Sort of like a refund.
Although, I reckon such wouldn't work, between insurance things and doctors likely not wanting that to be a precedent. So probably not worth it unless you're really good at complaining and getting to talk to higher-ups.

[dps]

As for why I want this... I feel like an official diagnosis will hold more weight in the eyes of an employer than me simply telling them I'm autistic.

Let me let you in on something. Most potential employers won't give a rat's ass about whether or not you have a note from your doctor about being autistic--and frankly, to the extent that they do care, you probably don't want prospective employers to know that you may have a disability--they'll not want to hire you (yes, legally they can't do that if they can make reasonable accommodation for your disability, but in practice, they won't want to hire you. After all, they are going to be rejecting a bunch of other applicants who aren't on the AS spectrum, so there's not really any way to prove they've discriminated against you.)

What prospective employers want to know is if you can perform the job tasks, and function as part of a team. In most workplaces, the latter is actually more important. If that's a problem for you, look for jobs in which it's not as important a consideration. Look for jobs in which your temperament is an asset. You're detail oriented and like routine, but socially awkward? Engineering and accounting sound like good choices for you, while sales or marketing would probably be bad choices.

[Peelee]

Let me let you in on something. Most potential employers won't give a rat's ass about whether or not you have a note from your doctor about being autistic--and frankly, to the extent that they do care, you probably don't want prospective employers to know that you may have a disability--they'll not want to hire you (yes, legally they can't do that if they can make reasonable accommodation for your disability, but in practice, they won't want to hire you. After all, they are going to be rejecting a bunch of other applicants who aren't on the AS spectrum, so there's not really any way to prove they've discriminated against you.)

Agreed. Which is why you don't tell them in the interview process, you tell them after you've been hired.

[Chen]

Agreed. Which is why you don't tell them in the interview process, you tell them after you've been hired.

Even then it seems it would be more detrimental than beneficial. You get the stigma added to you and Im not sure what actual benefits you get.

[Ninja_Prawn]

you probably don't want prospective employers to know that you may have a disability.

Sad but true.

Though there may be some cases nowadays where a disability or condition like AS isn't such a handicap. For example, I currently work for a public body (technically 3rd sector) and we can't escape from anti-discrimination law; there's even a drop down menu for disabilities on the application form.

[Peelee]

Even then it seems it would be more detrimental than beneficial. You get the stigma added to you and Im not sure what actual benefits you get.

Access to legally mandated accommodations.

[ve4grm]

Access to legally mandated accommodations.

And, if you work with decent people, consideration of your particular weaknesses, and hopefully understanding.

That said, it's probably only necessary to bring up (in an official capacity) if it is affecting your work and you need accommodations.

[dps]

Even then it seems it would be more detrimental than beneficial. You get the stigma added to you and Im not sure what actual benefits you get.

You definitely don't want to do that--then they'll fire you for lying on your application. The best bet would be to get diagnosed after you're hired--they'll have to provide reasonable accommodation for your disability, and they can't fire you for lying on your application because you didn't.

Part of the problem with mental or emotional disabilities as opposed to physical disabilities is that it often isn't clear what accommodations need to be provided. Generally, companies will require you to submit in writing what accommodations are necessary. For most physical disabilities, that's pretty straight-forward, and companies are usually willing to provide reasonable accommodation. For mental and emotional problems, not only is it often unclear exactly what accommodation can reasonably be provided, it's very common for such disabilities to involve behavior that employers are reluctant to put up with. For example, alcoholism is considered a disability, but there's not really any accommodation that an employer can reasonably provide (and for that reason, you don't really need to tell them during the hiring process that you're an alcoholic, because you only need to reveal disabilities that they need to provide accommodation for). They can't refuse to hire you or fire you for being an alcoholic, but they can fire you for showing up for work drunk, because being drunk isn't itself a disability, it's a behavior.

[Peelee]

You definitely don't want to do that--then they'll fire you for lying on your application.

It's legal to ask if you're a protected class now? Do I also have to inform them I'm pregnant, or black, or Jewish?

[dps]

It's legal to ask if you're a protected class now? Do I also have to inform them I'm pregnant, or black, or Jewish?

It's legal for them to ask if you have a disability to which they can make reasonable accommodation, yes, and to ask what accommodations are necessary. Otherwise, there isn't any way for them to determine if the accommodations the applicant requires are reasonable or not.

EDIT: Have you not applied for a job recently (like in the last 20-25 years)? Most employers have something right on the application form that reads something along the lines of "Do you have a disability which would impact your abilitiy to perform an essential function of the job for which you are applying but for which reasonable accommodation can be made? If so, what accommodations are needed?"

[Peelee]

It's legal for them to ask if you have a disability to which they can make reasonable accommodation, yes, and to ask what accommodations are necessary. Otherwise, there isn't any way for them to determine if the accommodations the applicant requires are reasonable or not.

EDIT: Have you not applied for a job recently (like in the last 20-25 years)? Most employers have something right on the application form that reads something along the lines of "Do you have a disability which would impact your abilitiy to perform an essential function of the job for which you are applying but for which reasonable accommodation can be made? If so, what accommodations are needed?"

Huh. Imean, I can see why they would ask, since it would prepare them to make the reasonable accommodations. At the same time, it seems like an easy way to discriminate while hiding it, like asking women if they will need to take an extended time off within the first 9 months.

Also, yeah, a few, but it's been a while and I don't have the best memory to begin with. Despite my snark earlier, I wasn't trying to be all "uh huh this is how it is," I was honestly asking if that's something they can ask. In hindsight, I wrote that poorly, so I'm sorry about that.

[dps]

Huh. Imean, I can see why they would ask, since it would prepare them to make the reasonable accommodations. At the same time, it seems like an easy way to discriminate while hiding it, like asking women if they will need to take an extended time off within the first 9 months.

Also, yeah, a few, but it's been a while and I don't have the best memory to begin with. Despite my snark earlier, I wasn't trying to be all "uh huh this is how it is," I was honestly asking if that's something they can ask. In hindsight, I wrote that poorly, so I'm sorry about that.

I don't see anything you need to apologize about. It was a reasonable question IMO.

There are a few key things to know here. First, not all protected classes are equally protected, at least in the US. Partly this is because in some cases the legal protections for certain protected classes are set forth in different laws which have different provisions. Also, it's legal to discriminate against someone in a protected class if the fact that they are a member of that class would make them unable to perform the essential functions of the job. For some classes, such as race, there are very, very few things--almost nothing, really--that would make someone unable to perform the essential function of the job, whereas for disabilities, there are going to be essential functions of some jobs which people with certain disabilities might not be able to perform. For example, a construction company might very well, and completely legally, refuse to hire anyone confined to a wheelchair as a roofer, because it's likely that no reasonable accommodation would allow them to do the job, but the same construction company couldn't legally refuse to hire anyone confined to a wheelchair as an accountant.

[Peelee]

I don't see anything you need to apologize about. It was a reasonable question IMO.

There are a few key things to know here. First, not all protected classes are equally protected, at least in the US. Partly this is because in some cases the legal protections for certain protected classes are set forth in different laws which have different provisions. Also, it's legal to discriminate against someone in a protected class if the fact that they are a member of that class would make them unable to perform the essential functions of the job. For some classes, such as race, there are very, very few things--almost nothing, really--that would make someone unable to perform the essential function of the job, whereas for disabilities, there are going to be essential functions of some jobs which people with certain disabilities might not be able to perform. For example, a construction company might very well, and completely legally, refuse to hire anyone confined to a wheelchair as a roofer, because it's likely that no reasonable accommodation would allow them to do the job, but the same construction company couldn't legally refuse to hire anyone confined to a wheelchair as an accountant.

On re-reading I read it as snarky, but hey, I wont complain if you didnt take it that way.

Also, I totally get all that, and it all makes sense. It's just, even after hiring, if a newly hired roofer didn't disclose they were in a wheelchair, sure, that's cause for immediate dismissal because as you said, there's no reasonable accommodation what can be made. But the whole point of reasonable accommodations is, well, that they're reasonable. Which means that the only reason to ask for it before hiring would be to screen out people who could potentially incur additional costs on the employer, which seems to significantly weaken the whole "you can't not hire for this" thing.

[Anonymouswizard]

There's also the possiblity of reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process (I tend to ask for interviewers to be told I have ASD and may emote abnormally).

[Chen]

Access to legally mandated accommodations.

I was talking about the original AS diagnosis where accommodations are murky at best. I do realize now that what I replied to was sorta talking about generalized disabilities.

[Peelee]

I was talking about the original AS diagnosis where accommodations are murky at best. I do realize now that what I replied to was sorta talking about generalized disabilities.

Oh, no argument here about how vague that can be, but that's why companies have HR departments.

[dps]

On re-reading I read it as snarky, but hey, I wont complain if you didnt take it that way.

Also, I totally get all that, and it all makes sense. It's just, even after hiring, if a newly hired roofer didn't disclose they were in a wheelchair, sure, that's cause for immediate dismissal because as you said, there's no reasonable accommodation what can be made. But the whole point of reasonable accommodations is, well, that they're reasonable. Which means that the only reason to ask for it before hiring would be to screen out people who could potentially incur additional costs on the employer, which seems to significantly weaken the whole "you can't not hire for this" thing.

Well, yes, as a practical matter that can happen, but the idea is to screen out those who can't do the job even with reasonable accommodation. Costs to the employer generally aren't a significant issue, because generally only accommodations that don't require the employer to incur significant costs are considered "reasonable". For example, in my example of a construction company hiring an accountant in a wheelchair, there would likely be no cost to the construction company. True, they might have to do something to make their offices and restrooms wheelchair accessible, but they'd likely have already had to do that under other legal provisions regarding people with disabilities that don't involve employment.

[Peelee]

Well, yes, as a practical matter that can happen, but the idea is to screen out those who can't do the job even with reasonable accommodation. Costs to the employer generally aren't a significant issue, because generally only accommodations that don't require the employer to incur significant costs are considered "reasonable". For example, in my example of a construction company hiring an accountant in a wheelchair, there would likely be no cost to the construction company. True, they might have to do something to make their offices and restrooms wheelchair accessible, but they'd likely have already had to do that under other legal provisions regarding people with disabilities that don't involve employment.

True. My main point (which is coming off very poorly, I'll admit) is that mandatory reporting of it in the hiring process means that it's easier for some people to be ****ty people and not hire based on that while hiding it. Your exemplary accountant, for instance, likely wouldn't try to be going for the job of roofer because they would know it wouldn't work out, and even if they did, first day on the job would all what's required for "well we can't reasonably accommodate you for this."

[darkrose50]

Let me let you in on something. Most potential employers won't give a rat's ass about whether or not you have a note from your doctor about being autistic--and frankly, to the extent that they do care, you probably don't want prospective employers to know that you may have a disability--they'll not want to hire you (yes, legally they can't do that if they can make reasonable accommodation for your disability, but in practice, they won't want to hire you. After all, they are going to be rejecting a bunch of other applicants who aren't on the AS spectrum, so there's not really any way to prove they've discriminated against you.)

What prospective employers want to know is if you can perform the job tasks, and function as part of a team. In most workplaces, the latter is actually more important. If that's a problem for you, look for jobs in which it's not as important a consideration. Look for jobs in which your temperament is an asset. You're detail oriented and like routine, but socially awkward? Engineering and accounting sound like good choices for you, while sales or marketing would probably be bad choices.

Not looking one in the eye, having unusual body language, having an impairment in reading body language, and acting odd in social situations . . . this can make people think that you are lying, cheating and/or stealing. Explaining the behavior can offer an alternative explanation. I pointed out my ASD at work after once such occurrence as an effort to not get into trouble and perhaps get fired.

Working over the phone is quite restful. I have been an insurance agent for ~4-5 years now. I am 43 now and I had a job working in an insurance company when I was 19 (scanning documents). I always thought that being an underwriter would be a good fit. Sit alone, and do paperwork.

I never thought that I would be good at sales. Frankly I don’t trust salesmen. I do quite well selling health insurance, because (1) I think people should have it, (2) I use logic to troubleshoot the right policy, and (3) I am polite.

Science, engineering, and math are great places to be!

[Random Sanity]

But the doctor I wound up asking for a diagnosis from didn't seem to care that much- he made us wait 3 hours for him, and spent less than 30 minutes talking to me. And he spent 5 of those minutes asking me a small handful of questions regarding my ability to make friends in grade school. He reasoned that because I had a couple people I actually considered "friends", I couldn't be autistic.


This is a "doctor" who doesn't deserve his degree. My Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis came from a long and involved interview, a day's worth of assorted psych tests, and a followup appointment to actually make the diagnosis after crunching the data from said tests.

My advice? Find someone who actually cares enough to do the science and warn people away from this hack. You could have autism-spectrum something, you could have something else entirely - you don't know until you've gone through some bonafide testing.

[Anonymouswizard]

Not looking one in the eye, having unusual body language, having an impairment in reading body language, and acting odd in social situations . . . this can make people think that you are lying, cheating and/or stealing. Explaining the behavior can offer an alternative explanation. I pointed out my ASD at work after once such occurrence as an effort to not get into trouble and perhaps get fired.

This. I'm very open with my autism at my work and mentioned it when I applied, and people habve discovered that while I might act strangely at times and will disappear when it gets noisy (which thankfully is rare where I work, you'd think a kitchen would be noisy but it turns out no), and other people at work have both worked out when to not bug me when working and when to get me to take a break. But I've never had a complaint about my working because of how efficient I am.


This is a "doctor" who doesn't deserve his degree. My Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis came from a long and involved interview, a day's worth of assorted psych tests, and a followup appointment to actually make the diagnosis after crunching the data from said tests.

My advice? Find someone who actually cares enough to do the science and warn people away from this hack. You could have autism-spectrum something, you could have something else entirely - you don't know until you've gone through some bonafide testing.

I got diagnosed at about 14 via a morning with a child psychologist that involved several tests and checking over records.

I actually have a second diagnosis I got just to make sure it was up to date, which involved about thirty minutes of chatting to a doctor, but that was just to confirm it wasn't a misdiagnosis and that the information in the previous report still applied. Still got all the records, which was a blessing when it turned out they were no longer on my NHS file :smallannoyed: