At the top of the waiting list

sunshine1981

I've been told I'm at the top of the waiting list for an assessment now.

Because of the proposed changes to welfare benefits, which I claim for multiple things, I'm a little unsure whether to go ahead with getting a diagnosis now.

I want the diagnosis because hopefully it will open up doors for support and if the proposed changes do come in it will help me to get a suitable job when working with the government.

But on the other hand will it go against me for PIP?

Do I need to mention it to PIP?

Could I carry on my PIP claim without this being included or do you have to tell them everything you are diagnosed with?

Wibbles

Yes - you should go ahead with your assessment - it is the only way that you will discover the reasons for your problems

It may also assist you in your PIP claim - if you add copies of your assessment notes to your claims form.

sunshine1981

But I'm concerned, they are against anyone with autism/ ADHD/mental health.

Would I be in trouble if I didn't mention it on my PIP review?

sunshine1981

Can anyone answer me this please

Wibbles

you need a decent GP report to start start with which will cover everything .. it's stupid trying to hide your ailments

Mary_Scope

Hi @sunshine1981 it is best to be open and honest in the pip assessment and diagnosed conditions can sometimes hold a bit more weight depending on the assessor (even though PIP should be done purely on how your condition effects your day to day)☺️

sunshine1981

I plucked up the courage to go somewhere today with a group of people from a mental health club I'm in. I've never done anything like this before. I wore my ear plugs but after 2 hours I had to leave, I'd already gone outside twice but I couldn't cope with the noise, people talking to me all the time and having to listen, concentrate and then talk back. I was getting so worked up. Then I was really snappy with my partner on the way home about nothing but I made it an issue. I needed to be quiet and reset.

Rosie_Scope

Hope you can rest and reset today, @sunshine1981 it must have taken a lot to go along to something new and stay so long 💛

sunshine1981

Today is the first day that I've not been absolutely shattered since last Friday, I think it was all the effort it took me to go out with my club. I now have my assessment date for autism and I'm really worried, I just don't want my other diagnosis to be changed or challenged.

Holly_Scope

Hi @sunshine1981 I'm glad you're feeling a bit better. When is your assessment? Hopefully it's not too long in the future. Please be good to yourself and take it easy whilst you're going through a lot 💛

sunshine1981

First week in July

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/134231/at-the-top-of-the-waiting-list

Please mention your ASD diagnosis on any assessment form, irrespective of government policies. ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can explain MH issues. ASD is lifelong and incurable so you might always face MH challenges. A diagnosis will help your GP support you better, irrespective of whether you're out of work, employed, or moving back into employment.

Bluebellbutterfly

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1027356#Comment_1027356

Sending you best wishes for your appointment! You can do this!!! 🫶🏻

WhatThe

Hi sunshine, definitely prioritise the assessment.

If you're in receipt of an enhanced award, there's no gain by reporting the diagnosis when you get it. You've always been autistic so nothing's changed. Unfortunately, there is very little post-autism support for adults.

In general, the reasonable adjustments that autistic people need in the workplace are not being accommodated so don't get your hopes up too much. Get this diagnosis for YOU because the 'multiple things' are very likely linked.