Aspies For Freedom

Hi

I just wondered about some of the things I have read about driving licenses and declaring Aspergers as a disability at work.

Could anyone give some 'official' link which would show that it needs to be declared to the DVLA and/or insurance companies please.

My partner is looking into getting an official dx and I don't think he has really thought it through that much.  I told him what I had read on here about declaring it on your driving license and he told me it wasn't true.

He is currently on a waiting list to see a psychiatrist/psychologist (sorry not so sure what the difference is) which we have been told could take up to a year.  I really want him to think it through properly but he doesn't seem to want me to look into it too much until we know for certain.  He is 25 and has a really good job in IT, we have a good relationship and, as far as I can see, it doesn't seem to adversly affect his life in very many areas.  Perhaps an official dx would make things worse.

Anyways, thanks for this forum, it has really helped me to understand him better and I'm trying to make new allowances for him (such as not shouting at him when he really annoys me!).

Esor

You DO have to declare it to the DVLA.

However, you do not have to declare it to your employer.

I think you also have to declare it to any vehicle insurer too, so if he has to drive in relation to his job he will in effect be bound to tell his employer.

I could be wrong - anyone?

Also, the little digging I've done so far indicates you are normally required to be referred to a psychologist by a GP. This means it will be on his medical records and future employers will see AUTISTIC and probably run a mile.

If he did manage to keep it away from his medical records he would be ineligible for any state help I assume, so there's not much benefit in getting a diagnosis.

As an adult he is also likely to be required to provide a parent for interview, or to at least fill in a questionnaire, to give background detail on his childhood development.

This list of drawbacks has been enough to put me off seeking a dx so far, even though I really NEED to know if I'm going to be able accept my limitations and get on with my life - perhaps he has similar motivations?

HTH

Richard

You also have to declare it when applying for life insurance.

If your friend wants to get diagnosed, just to know it, he could try a private psychologist or get diagnosed abroad.

Thanks everyone, I''ll try and bring it up with him again some time soon.  I just want him to make an informed decision!

Esor

There we go, found it on the DVLA website.  They class it as a 'Developmental Disorder'.  

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/medical/aagv1.pdf

Pg 32 on this doc if anyone is interested.

Now I just need to bring it up again...was gonna do it via MSN but that seems to be down.  An email might be best I think.

Thanks again everyone

Esor

Just to add a confirmed yes about vehicle insurers.  If Aspergers is on your medical record but you haven't declared it, your insurance is invalid.  You also have to find an insurer who is willing to insure you anyway, and that's a limited number (probably at a higher premium - madness if you've been driving with a clean record for years and years like I have).  I can see WHY they might fuss.  As a pedestrian, I'm horribly dangerous in the way I tend to wander into roads and oncoming traffic (I cease to be aware of cars).  If I drove like I acted when walking, I'd be a worse liability than a drink-driver several times over the limit!  Yet, I'm totally safe, quick-reacting and observant when behind the wheel (22 years and still counting on a clean licence with no accidents).  But I know how far I'd get trying to explain this to would-be insurers!

Don't forget there is nothing to stop them changing the law to force disclosure in all manner of situations in  the future.

Why are employers in the UK allowed to see your medical records???
Isn't that a breach of human rights?

Aaaand before everyone gets overtly paranoid, I'd like to mention the EU anti-discrimination law that's being discussed. I think it's a only a matter of time, and the changing of laws will be for our benefit..