Hi, my name is sbanstead! These last few weeks have been traumatic

sbanstead

For most of my life, I knew I was different from a neurotypical society.  As a child, I was diagnosed with Dyspraxia after having difficulties communicating.  Throughout my schooling I received little to no support from my teachers and a lack of understanding and knowledge led to me feeling isolated from my classmates.  Not long ago, after I had a breakdown, I was referred to my local Mental Health Services, who diagnosed me with an Autism Spectrum Disorder after assessing me.  My former employers supported me on the job, which I left after being made redundant (out of the company's control so no discrimination).

Now I am unemployed on Universal Credit and have to look for work nearly every weekday all day just to avoid being sanctioned.  To be completely open and honest, these last few weeks have been traumatic

Biblioklept

@sbanstead have you looked at the work capability criteria for Universal Credit? I wonder if it would help you to go through the process if you are limited in the type of work you can do.

Sorry to read things were so hard for you growing up. I grew up with undiagnosed autism and ADHD (I was diagnosed as an adult) and I know how hard it is feeling like you're different and not understanding why. 

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @sbanstead Thank you for joining, and for being so open and honest with us.

That all sounds distressing, so I'm sorry you've been having those experiences. Have you been receiving ongoing support from the mental health team? 

How do you feel about the prospect of going back to work? 

As biblioklept has said, you could have a look at whether having a work capability assessment (Turn2Us) may be right for you. 

Have you spoken to your work coach to let them know how difficult things have been for you?