One of my children has several complex additional needs. From around 2 we and others felt he probably had Autism, but it's been a very long road and he's now nearly 8. We get the diagnosis Friday. I believe they will say he has ASD. They mentioned the delay for the last few weeks was because they needed his latest speech and language report to know if they diagnosis would be given with or without speech and language involvement. The point is it's been a long long road, I am quite anxious about it because what if they say it's not (which I don't think they will be is still a possibility) and obviously while I "want" a diagnosis as it answers all the questions (like speech issues, no social interest, sits alone playing with sheep which are his obsession since a baby, the fact he is always in his own world, is happy being alone, he's very engaged with anyone or the world, etc etc etc), while it answers those questions, no one actually wants their child diagnosed with anything.
Anyway, so that's the background. Employer informed as found out today, employer states they will have to wait until the day to say yes or no and state it will be annual leave needed (not Carers as it's pre planned).
My understanding is while they don't have to pay, as long as the child is registered as disabled they should grant Carers leave? Also while I agree the timing isn't great, surely they should still grant it (they are not short staffed but the work load is heavier this week). All requests normally have a 6 week wait, no time off before that, so obviously can't wait that long (the diagnosis is also pivotal to his statement/ehcp which is already overdue and waiting for this diagnosis before going ahead).
I get that parents need to be flexible with employment and can't take time off for potentially lots of appointments, and we don't, buy given the fact we don't and given the importance of this one is there legal rights regarding time off? Or is it just tough?
This is a massive British company, all requests previously have been the same, we haven't requested in years but as it's important and there is a new line manager we tried again. I get the companies stand, but equally they advertise themselves as a family friendly company, and I can't see in what aspect they can make that claim.
How do people manage these things? NHS won't allow us to reschedule that far in the future (not that I would for this but when we have tried for the other appointments due to his other issues and assessments leading up to this). It just seems impossible.