To think I might lose my dc if I'm diagnosed autistic

[isitworththeriskornot]

I have known for a number of years that I have autism, I'm now 40 and there's also autism in the family.
I've just done a Aq test for autism and scored 50/50 but although personally I don't need a diagnosis I feel it would benefit me if I ever got a job (currently SAHM) supported by dh.
The thing is I don't want to get diagnosed and then maybe be referred to children's services and lose the dc, if that could happen I'd rather keep quiet and maybe seek diagnosis when they're 18.
Has anyone else got a diagnosis and had any issues with keeping their dc?
mine are school age and I'm able to mask it so nobody has ever questioned my parenting and I have perfectly happy and cared for dc, I just don't want to risk everything for a piece of paper.
Do gps have to refer you if you have a diagnosis?

A diagnosis of autism is NOT a criteria for having kids removed.

Are you kids fed, warm, loved and safe from harm? If so, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

I get it op, I’ve often wondered if it can make you seem “vulnerable” or be used against you…

You're not going to lose your children because you're autistic, FFS.

I was diagnosed before I had children. Midwife at booking in asked if it would prevent me caring for the baby, I said no and it was never mentioned again.

No, unless it prevents children thriving.
Vulnerable means in need of support, not a potential target.

Yeah I didn’t think it means your children could be taken away just that it might be a flag for social services involvement so can understand where the op is coming from

Why on earth do you think you'll lose your children if you are diagnosed? I suggest you do more reading around autism and it's impact. Lon story short, you won't.

I'm a mum, autistic and a social worker, Op! Being autistic does not mean you are a bad parent.

It's the AQ50 - the psychiatrist who assessed me had me complete it as part of the (very long, thorough) pre-assessment process.

It's widely used by professionals in the field, within the context of a robust assessment of course.

Bit different as I'm dx with ADHD but in my FB support groups, there's GPs, social workers, paramedics, OTs, all sorts of professions as well as people who don't work, have drug habits, etc. Your basic spectrum of people, who just happen to have a neurodiversity.

My DH's colleagues who are dx autistic have families, jobs, etc.

A dx helps a lot but doesn't actually change anything, if that makes sense?

What good would come out of a diagnosis though ? Children are only taken away because of abuse or neglect

When my 6 year old was diagnosed, the NHS psychologist who had spent time with myself and my husband said it was quite likely we were both autistic too!

The assessment involved a multidisciplinary team. Absolutely no question, even for a second, that they thought social services needed to be involved! Unless you are going to be telling them that you neglect your children in any way or you do neglect your children, they aren't going to be contacting social services.

Autism is a spectrum that impacts everyone different but many people with autism are fantastic parents.

The aq50 isn't an online test.its an official screening questionnaire used by medical professionals to ascertain weather a more thorough assessment is needed.

If anything, being autistic has helped me parent my autistic child better. I realised he was autistic from a very young age and was able to figure out some triggers/why he did certain things going by my own experiences.
No one has ever so much as suggested any outside involvement other than the usual health visitor, etc.

I’m autistic. My DS is still very much here. You are most definitely over thinking this. It’s ok!

There are many parents on here diagnosed with ASD and ADHD, as long as your children's needs are being met there’s no reason at all that they would be taken from you (or there would be a lot of kids in care). I am 40 and suspect ADHD, I was speaking to a social worker today who is helping me secure respite for my dd and mentioned ADHD to her and she suggested me getting a diagnosis, not so my kids could be removed from me. My DC’s both have ASD as does there father (my ex husband).

You will not lose your children because of an autism diagnosis.

The tests on this site are extremely helpful, my brother and I have both realised we are on the spectrum, along with OCD and ADHD. We have both contacted our doctors for assistance.

I’m early 40’s and received my diagnosis in December. It’s been hugely positive and has helped me accept that I’m not ‘broken’

Work have been incredible, I have had an assessment with occupational health and they have made support recommendations to help me manage the burnout cycles I go through.

At no point through this process has anyone suggested I might loose my kids. (Who are also diagnosed ND)

A close friend of mine autistic (diagnosed) and has 2 beautiful children

I work in education and we have multiple parents who have been diagnosed with autism- no issues at all xx