Diagnosis for ND or autism

[MamaBear2Cubs]

I truly believe I am somewhere on the spectrum. Probably neurodiverse - I mask who I am a lot and people who I confide in say Oh you don't look it and basically prove it.

I am in a job I love, really love for the first time ever, and the group is now getting bigger and I can feel myself going under. I have said I am on the spectrum bit my line manager who has a grown son with ADHD and on the spectrum says I need to get it diagnosed properly so they can make adjustments for me.

How, just how though, I'm nearly 60, I can't even get an appt for an ear ache!!!

I could and would go private but would this be acceptable?? I have to do something or I can see me having to go to another job and I can't. I just can't.

Do you get a certificate or proof from a doctor.. how would I prove it??

Can someone save me ?

I received a private autism diagnosis last year. The NHS accepted my diagnosis without question ( the clinical psychologist sent my GP the report) and work didn't ask for evidence, although currently I've not asked them for any adjustments.

I think they can make adjustments to help you without a diagnosis. It will be about what you need though, rather than any diagnosis you do or don't have.

Thank you so much! Please can you give me a link to somewhere I can get a diagnosis done, I would be really grateful to you. I'm desperate. I don't want to leave my perfect job.

I think your best bet would be researching what private adult autsim assessment services are local to you and going from there. Otherwise it would be approaching your GP for an NHS referral.

I know psychiatry UK do private autism diagnosis and I would imagine the NHS would accept them, as you can get referred to them under right to choose. I'm waiting for my ADHD appointment with them at the moment under right to choose. I looked earlier at private autism appointments as I suspect that too and there are some available at the end of this month.

You don't need a diagnosis for reasonable adjustments at all. You have the need for them, so they should refer you to occupational health so you can be assessed as to your needs and what support can be provided.

This is the law according to the equality act 2010. Too many people think that reasonable adjustments are a privilege; they're not, they're a legal right. www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-guidance/disability-equality-act-2010-guidance-on-matters-to-be-taken-into-account-in-determining-questions-relating-to-the-definition-of-disability-html

How do I go about getting a referral under the right to choose? Can I go online or do I have to ask the gp?

What @Mabelface says! You absolutely can ask for reasonable adjustments.

Have you an idea of adjustments you think would help?