Mental health / autistic spectrum question?
Question:
My question is that he recently started a job and is on his probabtionary period. I told them when he was off- at his request that he was in hospital with stomach problems but dont know if it would be best to advise son to tell them the truth.
I just dont know what would be for the best as he so wants to keep this job. I wonder if anyone knows of any support available Thanks in advance
Answers:
I would not tell at work unless absolutely necessary. If you are in the UK you can phone Autism Helpline 0845 070 4004, they could put you in touch with specialist advice service or local support groups. There are autism related forums on the net which might be useful, like http://www.asdfriendly.org/
There are all levels of autism from the minute to completely withdrawn.
As long as the only threat is to himself the job might be good for him. But he really needs to see a counselor to help him cope with his feelings. PLUS if he should go off at work you could be liable especially if you knew his problems and did & said nothing. A counselor can give you a better idea of what to expect and how to deal with him.
At 16 you should still be his guardian meaning refusing treatment isn't his decision to make. If he refuses to go then tell him you're telling his boss what really happened, if he doesn't. Even after the probation period information of this kind can get him fired on the basis of not telling them he had a mental problem.
You really need to protect yourself from liability and the only way you can do that is to know more of what to expect & cope accordingly.
Medical certificate IN FAVOUR of him& medicines to controle will benefitial. Take doctor's guidance
Oh Dear,
you have my sympathy. There is increasing understanding that Autism can be linked to Bi-polar manic depression.
For sufferers of this ending up in a locked ward could be quite common.
I assume he was sectioned he would only have been let out if they thought he was no longer a danger to himself or anyone else.
Presumably they have given him some medication and he should have follow up care.
I dont think you should tell his work.
He may well be fine.
It seems like he is more of a higher functioning person on the autistic spectrum, possibly Aspergers or PDD. The suicide attempt may be secondary to this or it may not, it is really hard to tell without knowing your son.
As far as the job situation goes, you obviously want your son to keep his job and I am sure he does as well. Unfortunately, some employers are more understanding than others in regards to needing to take time off for illnesses, especially if it is for a long period of time. So, if you are not sure, the stomach thing may be a safe bet. I have always told people to tell employers that "they were in the hospital for tests". If they ask for a medical note, ask for one preferably without any revealing information (such as diagnosis, hospital name, etc). One written by the doctor that says "he was under my care from .. usually works pretty well and is perfectly acceptable.
I was wondering if the employer knows about your son's disability. He is protected to a certain extent under ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) so they can't fire him just because of his disability, but if he were to act out on the job or pose a threat to someone else or something of that nature, then they can. They are also required by law to provide any necessary accommodations that he may need to perform his job. (It is similar to someone in a wheelchair needing access to an elevator rather than the stairs to get to the second floor.)
Hope this is helpful.
Hi
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