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.
Some additional context: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-20/autism-driving-licences-new-standards/103108100
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.
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.
Mkay. So. No, there should be blanket additional testing for these conditions, even if you have already passed the test. Because if you have it for some conditions and not others, it’s not fair for all. Like, if we don’t have testing for autists, it is entirely fair for epileptics to say they don’t need to be tested either. Yeah, it sucks. But it’s necessary to keep us safe as driving is one of the most dangerous things we do. It’s one of the leading causes of death that aren’t “natural”. The article linked even gives examples of how autistic people can sometimes not drive “right”. And I say that as someone living in Australia who is neurodivergant myself and has had to report my conditions to my state driving regulator.
Instead of just adding more hurdles to disabled people, it would make more sense to build the test in a way that passing it proves your competency regardless. The things the article lists (like distractibility and poor emotional regulation) are not things exclusive to autistic people. If they are impaired enough to not be able to drive, they probably couldn’t pass the test.
So after you get diagnosed you have to do a test to prove that you’re capable of driving?
Unfortunately, yes. Even though I have my drivers license.
That is such bullshit, even aside the ableism angle. Whatever impairments you might have, you already had them when you passed the first time. How are they gonna test you differently? Write all the roadsigns as vague hints? Upholster the car with uncomfortable fabrics?
Yeah, I’m quite angry over the whole thing.
Dammit.
And what would be your benefits of a diagnosis? Could you get an “unofficial“ diagnosis?
I don’t know anymore. I was thinking a diagnosis would be beneficial. It is already expensive to get done, but I have already paid for it, and done the first session. I’m not sure, if I want to not go ahead, because I’ve already spent $1,500AU. I could have gotten an “unofficial” diagnosis, but I thought that having an official diagnosis would be better. Now I’m not sure what I want to do. Either way, it’s not great.
What country is this in?
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.
@cogitoprinciple it’ll help a lot if you edit to include what country you’re in
I’ve updated it. Hopefully, that gives some context.
@cogitoprinciple Yeah, unfortunately it rules me out of having any information since I’m in the US
No worries
Would still love to hear your experiences too if you’ve got the time and space to share.
@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.
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.
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
