What to do can't work or claim benefits

[Marianne22]

I've been on medication for depression and anxiety for 8 years.

I have dyslexia and an autism diagnosis.

I'm currently on a waiting list to be assessed for dyspraxia and something to do with cognitive ???

I know people CAN work with the above but I cannot.

I've tried. Day to day life is hard.

I had a PIP assessment in August and got awarded 2 points. I'm now waiting to hear back re a tribunal meeting.

There are lots of contradictions and false information in the DWP report.

I'm stuck. Husband works but it barely covers the bills.

Any advice please x

OP have you considered having some more specialised therapy and reviewing your medication?

I spent 5 years in a lot of therapy and had my medication tweaked a lot and went from agoraphobia to being able to work full time and learned to drive in my mid 30s.

Anxiety and depression can be recovered from.

@Marianne22 erm OK. I actually felt sorry for you. And my comment wasn't even nasty.

Pre covid I would catch the bus or walk! In all weathers...

Driving and cycling are a no no.

If I was poorly I’d have to get a taxi.

It’s the school run that I struggle with

When I say poorly I mean MS! (Not flu or coronavirus style things!!)

@Marianne22 It sounds like you're feeling quite overwhelmed with everything lately, it can't be easy caring for your kids with your husband away, that's hard for anyone :)

It sounds like emotionally you are not in a good place, however you may not always feel this way. I get it though, I also have autism and dysraxia and have gone through cycles of feeling I can't achieve anything

Yes things are harder for us than others but you need to consider more creative ways to get yourself involved. Lack of confidence and belief in yourself is coming across in your post, and believe me I've been there!

However now I am about to qualify as a social worker and am thinking of the future. This is more than I ever dreamed possible but has been the true making of me. People are always shocked as they always assume autism=not social worker material when in reality given the right work environment and understanding colleagues I have been able to make it work and am the happiest Ive ever been in my life.

My point is, you need to not write yourself off. It might seem hopeless right now but you can achieve more than you think. Yes you may not be able to walk into an average workplace and succeed but you need to think about the areas you're interested in. Remember you are protected by disability discrimination act therefore employers have to make reasonable adjustments. My biggest problems at work have occured when I've kept my autism a secret - leading to me feeling I have to pretend I'm someone I'm not and eventually I break down. Being honest has meant people are understanding and supportive so I think if you can find a workplace that plays to your strengths you can do it.

some areas have special work schemes to support those with disabilities. when you feel ready it may be worth looking into those first to help you take the first step.

good luck whatever happens :) I'm also in some facebook groups for women on the spectrum which I find really helpful, may be useful for you as well to gain advice from other autistic women who have faced similar struggles

Hi thank you. I get more anxious then ever when I post on here and I know there is no answer so I don't know what I'm expecting.

I must have posted about this 5/6 times over the past few years. Usually I have a couple of comments to say DH must be cheating or have a double life so that's a bonus.