Diagnosis: how can it benefit me as an adult?

There are a number of good reasons to get a formal diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome. The article outlines some of the main benefits and directs you to other sources of information and advice.

Understanding yourself

Some adults go for a diagnostic assessment purely because they want to know whether they have autism or Asperger syndrome, or not. They may then use this knowledge to find out about the condition, which might help them to understand themselves. They can also tell their friends and family about the diagnosis and give them information about autism, which will help them to understand it too.

Help at work

Some people might want to get a diagnosis because they are having difficulties at work. They may either have problems getting a job, or they might have a job but be worried that they will lose it. Perhaps they feel misunderstood by their colleagues or employers.

With a diagnosis of autism they will be classed as having a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. This means that if they tell their employers about the diagnosis, they will hopefully gain understanding and tolerance. Employers may not know about Asperger syndrome or autism, so an employer information pack is available from our Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004. (There is also a pack to help those who are seeking employment.)

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, employers have a responsibility to make 'reasonable adjustments' for employees who need them. 'Reasonable adjustments' can mean a variety of things: for example, providing clear, written instructions rather than verbal instructions or introducing structure into an employee's day. Some adults will decide to get a diagnosis so that they can ask their employer to make 'reasonable adjustments' for them at work. These adjustments might make them more successful in their job.

Support from social services

Some people may want support or help from their local social services department (social work services in Scotland; or the Health and Social Services Trusts/Boards in Northern Ireland). These services can include help to find a suitable home or a support worker who can assist in day-to-day activities such as shopping, paying bills and rent.

Adults can receive help from social services without a diagnosis by being considered a 'vulnerable adult'. However, having a diagnosis should strengthen your claim for support. (See our information sheets Community care: a guide for adults with autism spectrum disorders and their carers, if in England, and Social services: getting help for children and adults (Scotland) for further information. You can download both from www.autism.org.uk/a-z)

There are also autism-specific services where a diagnosis would be needed to access the service; for example, housing which has been specifically designed for those with an autism diagnosis, or social groups for people with autism. Find out more about NAS social groups at www.autism.org.uk/socialgroups

You can search for residential placements in your local area on the Autism Services Directory: www.autism.org.uk/directory

Benefits 

Benefits such as Disability Living Allowance can be applied for without a diagnosis, but applications will be stronger with a clear diagnosis. For more information about benefits, see www.autism.org.uk/benefits (much of the information in this section will also be available from our Autism Helpline: 0845 070 4004).
 
Students with disabilities can claim Disabled Students Allowance. A diagnosis would be needed in order to access this financial support. For further information on this benefit, please see The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities or 'SKILL' website (www.skill.org.uk) or call 0800 328 5050. The NAS has an information sheet called Education: meeting the needs of students in FE and HE, available from our Autism Helpline or from www.autism.org.uk/a-z 

In summary, it is a personal decision whether to go for a diagnostic assessment or not. However, a clear diagnosis is needed to access ASD-specific services. (If you are interested in getting a diagnosis, contact our Autism Helpline for advice. Tel: 0845 070 4004 - open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.)

Further reading

Information on the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 from the Disability Rights Commission: www.drc-gb.org/Default.aspx

Employment packs: www.autism.org.uk/employment

How can I get a diagnosis as an adult?: www.autism.org.uk/diagnosisinfo

Related resources

• Diagnosis: the process for adults