UK or England thread?

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I don't think you can get benefits here just based on having ASD.

It depends to what extent ASD affects you and how disabled you become because of this.

I already had multiple health conditions before I was diagnosed with ASD so I was assessed on my disabilities and how they affect my everyday living.

It is based on a points system and you have to score enough points to qualify.

It was only recently that mental health issues were taken into consideration.

I hope this helps? Perhaps others will contribute their experience too.

I get nothing specifically for being ASD even though because of it I am unable to work more than 16 hours a week in any job that I have any chance of getting. I do however do my signing on through the disability officer at the job centre and it's a very different experience to what I was expecting. They top up my earnings (from my job) as they would anyone else but my interviews are more supportive. She takes a lot of interest in my ideas for earning extra money on the side and seems satisfied as long as I am trying to improve my situation in some way even if there's nothing immediate to show for it. I am currently seeing her for half an hour every 5-6 weeks (it was once week before I got the job).

I have not tried to claim any disability because I'm certain it would be a nightmare without a physical disability that the person assessing can see. I've heard the assessments are done by doctors who automatically assume if you turn up on your own then you're fine. I think the way you have to constantly emphasise what you can't do is not good for one mentally either. And I can work (I'm good at my job) but I've spent my whole working life surviving on a part time wage (usually 25-30hrs) because dealing with other people exhausts me. Now that I am actually limiting myself to 16 hours and the state is helping me things are much easier and I don't spend all of my non work time just recovering.

ASD is getting more understanding now at job centres than it did a few years back so things are improving. I just wish doctors surgeries would catch up.

I think it was the right place to post the question by the way, nor do I think google is always the best source of information. Straight from the horses mouth and all that, neigh!

I know there are a few others on here who have struggled to get benefits based on their difficulties from ASD.

I was hoping to go down a similar path to your's Fluffy, but alas my health just got worse, especially when I tried to push myself and burnt myself out.

At present I feel as though I am in a recovery and respite phase and I will have a better idea of what I can handle in due time.

Having enough money to keep a roof over my head has made a difference. I now have space to concentrate on my well being instead of the stress and worry of eviction and a worsening of my mental health.

It all depends on your circumstances. A lot of it is really dependent on what you can and can't do.

Prior to making a claim I took two and a half years off of work and lived off my savings and some very casual work for my dad (removing artex from ceilings, sanding down plaster, ect) while I wrote my novel. I knew I would run out of money but I'm now sure had I not done it I would have had a breakdown. During that time I sorted out my IBS myself, started the ball rolling on getting an assessment for ASD, wrote my book, got diagnosed for ASD, worked out what foods I was intolerant too, rewrote my book, sorted myself out. I dreaded going to the job centre but it worked out ok and I'm doing ok in my current job (while rewriting book). If my job begins to negatively affect my mental health though, I will be out of there in a shot. Recovery and respite are essential.

Hi Temmy,

Is this a good day to tend your garden, then get some nice Cornish pie or something?

I have just been relaxing today, although I did see my gardener and he is coming to me next week to do some jobs, which are most jobs, that I cannot do at present.

I am afraid I am not much of a pastry fan. I prefer the filling. Last night I had Irish stew with brown rice and it was yummy.

My evening walk was most pleasant, talking with different walkers along the way and petting their dogs. I live in a lovely village with lots of nice people so these walks can be such a source of energising replenishment for the soul.

I like people and I like animals as well as nature so it is a marvellous combination for me and works well to nurture my inner light. I feel warm and free when I am chilling with the walkers. Sometime I just take a chair out there and sit and enjoy the movement or flow. I feel blessed to have a field at the end of my garden.

They certainly are essential and knowing when to tend ourselves so we don't become overwhelmed.

What kind of books do you write Fluffy?

I fancy a fish finger salad

Eat us, Temeraire, eat us.

I am on holiday in Spain right now. I thought it may turn out to be a nice break from the UK temperatures but I just heard that the European record high temperature of 48C may be broken tomorrow in Spain.

I am in the east so won't get that but my word is it hot here.

I did indeed eat them - yum.

Yes it seems to have turned around in Spain.
My friend was there a few weeks ago and it was a lot cooler than here.

I guess you are just unlucky this week.

The 48 Celsius is probably for a place like Sevilla. It's "only" supposed to go up to about 43 there.

If you're in Barcelona, they're forecasting 35---but you get the high humidity.

Any way you slice it, even 95 Fahrenheit is hot!

Yeah I am South East so around 35C today, but by the feel of it the humidity was high. I have been before and the heat is more bearable than English summers as it doesn't have the humidity.

Always wanted to go to Saville. A Spanish friend told me it was traditional old Spain there.