this post was submitted on 22 Nov 2023
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I recently discovered, that this could create some issues for me. I want to get diagnosed, but I'm concerned about how it will affect me in a legal sense. I was wondering if there's a way, I can find out that information?

Edit: I am from Australia Currently, as it stands, retaining my drivers license post diagnosis, demands that I disclose my diagnosis, and do another test to prove I am fit to drive. This test costs $1,500. I have already started my assessment, and am doing my second session soon. I don't want to not go through with it, because it is valuable to know for sure, that I am autistic. It may also give me accommodations, but it may be difficult to get depending on my support needs.

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[–] markhepburn@programming.dev 13 points 11 months ago (1 children)
[–] CopernicusQwark@lemmy.world 5 points 11 months ago (2 children)

I read that the other day, and it's such bullshit. All that should matter is that you can pass the test.

My wife has been officially diagnosed for about 18 months now, and while we've talked about getting me formally diagnosed we've now decided there's no upside to me getting it since I pass as NT there's so much stigma to deal with that it's just not worth it.

[–] SuddenDownpour@sh.itjust.works 3 points 11 months ago

I'm diagnosed as Aspergers and I had no issue getting my driver's license. Why? Because I didn't mention it. The practical test instructor was somewhat nervous that I was adjusted to the speed limit and never went a little bit faster, but ultimately congratulated me on paying so much attention to all angles and directions. I met a woman recently whose boyfriend (also diagnosed as Aspergers) tried to get the license and wasn't even allowed to take the practical test.

[–] shiri@foggyminds.com 10 points 11 months ago (1 children)

@cogitoprinciple it'll help a lot if you edit to include what country you're in

[–] cogitoprinciple@lemmy.world 5 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I've updated it. Hopefully, that gives some context.

[–] shiri@foggyminds.com 4 points 11 months ago (1 children)

@cogitoprinciple Yeah, unfortunately it rules me out of having any information since I'm in the US

[–] Tsun@lemmy.ca 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Would still love to hear your experiences too if you've got the time and space to share.

[–] shiri@foggyminds.com 4 points 11 months ago

@Tsun In the US there's little to gain really, being autistic is both for and against you and formal diagnosis applies to both ends equally.

It gets used in child custody hearings to take children away from parents, conservatorships to take away our rights, etc.

And for accommodations, depends on your state. Half the country has "at-will-employment" laws, which practically means you have zero protections, so a diagnosis doesn't offer much help there.

[–] Tsun@lemmy.ca 9 points 11 months ago

I would love to hear perspectives from non-Australian people as well! Currently in Canada and wondering the same thing; but I am also hoping to compile this information so I can better advocate and highlight issues to my peers for fellow autistic people in their countries.

[–] SternburgExport@feddit.de 8 points 11 months ago

So after you get diagnosed you have to do a test to prove that you're capable of driving?

[–] UserMeNever@feddit.nl 2 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

The whole point of been in a system with a label is too get help and understanding from that system. If that label is used to punish you then avoid that label.

Are there any legal group who can get a court to review this new law? it sounds like it should break some anti discrimination law.

[–] cogitoprinciple@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago

There's been a recent update. I might make a post about it: https://austroads.com.au/latest-news/assessing-fitness-to-drive-2022-no-changes-to-fitness-to-drive-requirements-for-people-diagnosed-with-autism

Looks like people were interpreting the vagueness of it in a way that was fear mongering