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Coprolalia and Work

LaughingLolly

I've had vague issues with coprolalia for over 20 w but latterly it's flared up really bad and I don't know where it leaves me. Can I do a job with the symptom? Does anyone here have experience of working with this condition and if ao, what kind of jobs do you do? How do you cope in your work environment and how do ofher people respond to you?

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Chloe_Alumni

Hi @LaughingLolly, Imagine this makes things difficult. Are you currently looking for work?

Scope have a list of employment services which might be able to help.

I hope others will be able to share their experiences with you soon.

LaughingLolly

@Chloe_Scope. No I've already n used it successfully. I have an employer. I'm interested in practicalities about working with it

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @LaughingLolly, ah okay, that's amazing!

Something that you can ask your employer for is Reasonable Adjustment.

The Equality Act 2010 requires an employer to make reasonable adjustments to enable a disabled person to work. This replaces the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

These reasonable adjustments may be to the recruitment process or to your workplace once you’ve started. Many reasonable adjustments cost little or nothing. But they can make a big difference to disabled employees.
If there are reasonable adjustments which would allow you to carry on working or help you to overcome barriers, ask for them. If you’re not sure what these might be, Access to Work grants can pay for specialist assessments and recommended adjustments.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments even before you have started a new job.

This can include things like flexible working or homeworking.

If you employer chooses not to support you with reasonable adjustment then there are things you can can do.

If there is anything else we can help you with, then please do let us know!

LaughingLolly

Hmmm, what reasonable adjustments change made for that particular symptom? I've used Access to Work before. I don't think working from home is the kind of adjustment that would apply. I feel like if you hide tics or Tourette it takes it out of the public eye and makes it a matter of shame. But what is legally possible in terms of working with coprolaltia if you're in a bad patch? Can you insists that you remain in the same role and people just put up with it? Is that allowed? I would not want to work behind the scenes because of a flare up but can I be asked to do that under some circumstances such as being around children etc?

Chloe_Alumni

Reasonable adjustment is anything you feel would make your job easier, and something that is considered 'reasonable' by an employer.

If you could have all the support you wanted in place, what would your working day look like? Have you had this discussion with your employer? If they decided against what you could consider the optimal way of working then it is something you could appeal.

ACAS are an organisation that can help when reasonable adjustment isn't in place. They have an article here which may be useful.

They also have a helpline that might be worth giving a ring as they would be able to say if requests were seen as reasonable:

Calling the Acas helpline

If you have not been able to find an answer on the Acas website, Helpline Online or if you need help with resolving a dispute or a problem in your workplace you may wish to talk to a Acas Helpline Adviser. Before you call the Acas helpline please take some time to read the employment law and employment relations guidance related to your call.
It can also be helpful to keep a note of any guidance pages you visit as this can help you and the adviser if you need to refer to this information during your conversation.

Before making your call please make sure you have with you:

a pen and some paper

your contract (if available)

notes about any information you may wish to discuss.

The Acas helpline number is 0300 123 1100. It is available Monday to Friday 8am-6pm.

If there is anything else I can do then please do let me know.

LaughingLolly

thanks @Chloe_Scope. this could be useful

Chloe_Alumni

No problem at all @LaughingLolly, please do let us know how you get on and I hope you get the reasonable adjustment you need!

atlas46

Hi @LaughingLolly

Have you spoken to Tourette’s Action (TA)?

They have a helpline tel: 0300 777 8427, they have specialist’s input on employment matters. Worth giving them a try.

Best wishes.

atlas46

Hi @LaughingLolly

Came across this tv programme made by Chanel five on YouTube.

It is titled “Hidden Lives -Tourettes On The Job”, sorry can’t do a link.

It is an outstanding programme, that shows how people with Tourette’s have dealt with work place issues.

I found it a remarkable and uplifting about these kind decent people, who happen to have Tourette’s.

I would like to know your thoughts, if you get a chance to view it.

Best wishes

Chloe_Alumni

Some great advice @thespiceman, thank you!

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