I want to start over on seeking advice. I have nowhere else to turn to. Please I hope ya hear me out and I'll take what advice anyone has to give me that's a promise. I need everyone that takes the time to read what I have to say to be clear of my situation as well.

I really don't know where to start due to the complexity of my situation so I'll start my stating that I do have Autism and I've been in what counseling I can do at my college. Unfortunately the counselor can't officially diagnose despite having expertise on the subject he can only suggest based on what I told him and make recommendations to see a professional that can give an official diagnosis. If anyone is wondering why I'm even saying this well this is kind of the reason I have a hard time with employment and as to why I lost the two jobs I had before. Before I realize I had Autism I worked at Goodwill from 2012-2013 and at Walmart back in 2015. I was fired from both jobs and both times because I was deemed too slow and both jobs were in a fast paced environment. After long talks with my counselor and determining I have Autism (and may I note I had other private discussions with a couple instructor who too suggested I may have Autism and recommenced I go to the student disability services) he agreed that it's best I seek out an official diagnosis so I can get help from services that help with employment to those with disabilities. The biggest issue having Autism causes me is the way my brain processes I guess the best way I can explain that is that it takes longer for stuff to suddenly click in my head for what task I'm doing and unfortunately that causes a lot of slow down on the job and it also makes me more easily overwhelmed if I have to multitask and causes over-stimulation. And I do have some sensory issues to certain sounds but not too bad. So my main concern with employment is finding a job and company that's Autism friendly and be willing to give accommodations that helps with job performance so I don't get fired.

Next issue I have and this is essential to being able to get a job. I need an official diagnosis but I can't afford it and there's the issue with my parents. I told my parent all about this but they think it's all ridiculous and either they're so unaware about Autism that just think there's no way I can have it due to the invisibility it has on us that are high functioning or they're in denial that anything is wrong with me I mean they even refused to accept the fact I have a learning disability I was diagnosed with back in middle school. So yeah my parents are no help on this issue sadly. I need help on how I can get a diagnosis or if there's any assistance I get to that'll help me afford one or just help to afford the costs.

I tend to accidentally leave out some details so if anyone has questions please do ask. So basically I'm wondering if anybody on here is aware of any jobs/companies that I could easily work at given all the details I described and the only skill I can think of that I'm truly good at is that I'm organized and that's about it and as for hobbies/interests all the ones I have aren't job suitable.

Also I need to make aware I know this isn't an Autism board and I been to some and asked the same stuff but could never get any well rounded answers or something of the sort. I'm at like my wits end here I can't get a job unless I can get a diagnosis for my Autism so employers will now I'm not intentionally slow or whatever. If anything I feel worthless and unfit and sometimes wonder if I'm better off seeing if I can be volunteerly euthanized due to how useless I really am. Please I'll listen to what advice anyone has to give I really will I need a purpose to live.

Here's some basic info too:

Live in Tennessee

Can't drive

Still live with parents

25 years old

Thanks for reading
             

1.  Get Obamacare while you still can.   Here is the URL for Tennessee's Obamacare website.  http://healthtn.com/tennessee/health-insurance/student  You are young, broke, unemployed and a full time student.  You should qualify for fully subsidized health care.  If it disappears thanks to President Trump, then go back on your parents' policy until you turn 26 and then hope something else comes along.

2.  Here is where to get diagnosed.  In particular think about contacting Vanderbilt University medical school.  You might be able to get a diagnosis there for cheap or free since it is a medical school.  https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/by-state/136/Where%20to%20get%20an%20Autism%20Diagnosis/TN

2.  Go here to see about the job situation.  https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/article/employment-and-community-first-choices-referral

3.  Here are some more resources from Autism Speaks, an organization I am well familiar with:  https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/state/tn

4.  Here is a list of employment services from Autism Speaks:  https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/by-state/76/Employment%20Services/TN

Good luck!

Quote from: CarlyMcx on November 13, 2016, 11:53:47 PM
1.  Get Obamacare while you still can.   Here is the URL for Tennessee's Obamacare website.  http://healthtn.com/tennessee/health-insurance/student  You are young, broke, unemployed and a full time student.  You should qualify for fully subsidized health care.  If it disappears thanks to President Trump, then go back on your parents' policy until you turn 26 and then hope something else comes along.

2.  Here is where to get diagnosed.  In particular think about contacting Vanderbilt University medical school.  You might be able to get a diagnosis there for cheap or free since it is a medical school.  https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/by-state/136/Where%20to%20get%20an%20Autism%20Diagnosis/TN

2.  Go here to see about the job situation.  https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/article/employment-and-community-first-choices-referral

3.  Here are some more resources from Autism Speaks, an organization I am well familiar with:  https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/state/tn

4.  Here is a list of employment services from Autism Speaks:  https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/by-state/76/Employment%20Services/TN

Good luck!

Hey thanks you replying and giving some information much appreciate it. The only one I can't do however is the healthcare one I'm still at a community college and it doesn't offer student health plans and about Vanderbilt I will check into the medial school part and I did previously check if the medical center itself did anything for diagnosing adults unfortunately they don't.

Edit: I just checked more into that link about Vanderbilt yeah that's the same thing I previously checked into that told me that they don't do diagnosing for adults I'm sorry this just getting more upsetting by the day that I can't find a way to afford this I think I might as well kill myself 

So okay, there are still lots of good resources left to try.  Go to healthtn.com and fill out their forms and see if you can qualify for fully subsidized Obamacare on your own.  The fact that you are a full time student may still help.

Run down all the resources for diagnosis from Autism Speaks.  Talk to them, call them, send emails, do whatever you need to do.  If they are not free, then find out how much a diagnosis costs.

Run down all the job resources from Autism Speaks.  You may not need a diagnosis to avail yourself of this.  Talk to people, ask questions, if they require a diagnosis ask them if they know anywhere you can get one for free.

Places like Goodwill are normally a good fit for the disabled. I'm sorry that you had a bad experience with them. I second what CarlyMcx said that medical school can normally do for a much lower cost (if any cost at all) so please do check with the one she mentioned. I'm sure there are other employers in your area that work with people who have disabilities and are students. Hugs
Mariah

Quote from: CarlyMcx on November 14, 2016, 12:38:38 PM
So okay, there are still lots of good resources left to try.  Go to healthtn.com and fill out their forms and see if you can qualify for fully subsidized Obamacare on your own.  The fact that you are a full time student may still help.

Run down all the resources for diagnosis from Autism Speaks.  Talk to them, call them, send emails, do whatever you need to do.  If they are not free, then find out how much a diagnosis costs.

Run down all the job resources from Autism Speaks.  You may not need a diagnosis to avail yourself of this.  Talk to people, ask questions, if they require a diagnosis ask them if they know anywhere you can get one for free.

Not sure if I can even get any subsidized health insurance since Tennessee didn't expand Medicaid. Plus rates are  jumping 40-60 percent. And this semester I'm not a full time student. Being full time got too stressful. But I'll give it a try anyway.

If I can't find anywhere that is affordable what can I do then in regards of covering costs?? This is where I need the most help of all.

Quote from: Mariah on November 14, 2016, 01:16:51 PM
Places like Goodwill are normally a good fit for the disabled. I'm sorry that you had a bad experience with them. I second what CarlyMcx said that medical school can normally do for a much lower cost (if any cost at all) so please do check with the one she mentioned. I'm sure there are other employers in your area that work with people who have disabilities and are students. Hugs
Mariah

Yeah sadly I just can't recommend anyone ever working for Goodwill they don't treat workers as well as they want everyone to think. I hope other regions are different but never work here in Middle Tennessee.

Vanderbilt doesn't offer Autism diagnosis for adults not even their medical school.

Right now I'm wondering what I can do to help cover costs of getting a diagnosis.     

If you're 25, you are still covered by your parent's health insurance for another year as long as you are on their policy. I would ask your counselor who he would recommend you see in order to get an official diagnosis, and then I would follow up directly with that person/their office in regards to what insurance they accept, what kind of time commitment you'd be looking at in terms of number of appointments, and if they would be willing to put you on a payment plan for anything not covered by your insurance. From there, you could make appointments and arrange to get to and from them.

I would also have a conversation with your parents and make it clear to them that an official diagnosis is going to be necessary for you to survive on your own as an adult, for both getting an accommodating job and potentially government benefits. They aren't going to live forever. You will need some source of income that they won't be able to provide one day, and the first step to securing that for yourself is this diagnosis. No parent wants to think about their kid being homeless or starving, especially when they have the power to prevent it.

Quote from: FTMax on November 14, 2016, 08:01:11 PM
If you're 25, you are still covered by your parent's health insurance for another year as long as you are on their policy. I would ask your counselor who he would recommend you see in order to get an official diagnosis, and then I would follow up directly with that person/their office in regards to what insurance they accept, what kind of time commitment you'd be looking at in terms of number of appointments, and if they would be willing to put you on a payment plan for anything not covered by your insurance. From there, you could make appointments and arrange to get to and from them.

Using their insurance without them knowing will stir a hornets nest like something bad like when I tried coming out as trans. I don't think HIPPA can prevent them from seeing the explanation of benefits either and the way the insurance works any kind of change to disclosures I'm sure will have to be done by my dad since the insurance is through his job.
Sadly using insurance is out of the question.

Also how will I even be able to pay for it??

Quote from: FTMax on November 14, 2016, 08:01:11 PM
I would also have a conversation with your parents and make it clear to them that an official diagnosis is going to be necessary for you to survive on your own as an adult, for both getting an accommodating job and potentially government benefits. They aren't going to live forever. You will need some source of income that they won't be able to provide one day, and the first step to securing that for yourself is this diagnosis. No parent wants to think about their kid being homeless or starving, especially when they have the power to prevent it.

Tried that they don't wanna believe if anything I think they fear being diagnosed with Autism will destroy my future (like getting a job) or something of the sort. Remember my parents are from generation where stuff like this is considered a stigma. They continue to insist that teaching is the only route for me being successful unfortunately. Overall I can't reason with them and neither can anyone else.   

Seems like you're getting back into the practice of shooting down anyone's suggestions. There is a lot of good advice that has been given to you here and throughout your other threads. I find it difficult to believe that it is impossible to come up with some combination of actions that would enable you to move forward with all the help you have received. Especially the suggestion above from Carly - even if you don't qualify for healthcare, she's given you an advocacy organization for people with autism that would be a great resource to utilize in terms of moving forward.

Ultimately it sounds like you're either going to have to rock the boat with your parents or stay stuck where you are, if you're unable to move or do what they'd prefer you to do in terms of a career. Have you considered having them come here and read some of your threads to better understand your point of view?

Quote from: FTMax on November 15, 2016, 08:21:34 AM
Seems like you're getting back into the practice of shooting down anyone's suggestions. There is a lot of good advice that has been given to you here and throughout your other threads.

I've tried several of those before and more than once too. And some I just plain can't cause circumstances prevent so. So how's that rejecting suggestions when I tried and didn't work or I don't qualify. 

Quote from: FTMax on November 15, 2016, 08:21:34 AM
I find it difficult to believe that it is impossible to come up with some combination of actions that would enable you to move forward with all the help you have received. Especially the suggestion above from Carly - even if you don't qualify for healthcare, she's given you an advocacy organization for people with autism that would be a great resource to utilize in terms of moving forward.

First there's my parents I can't do jack squat till I get away from them. I plan to use that autism resource once I get away fro my parents that's the key here. I need both to get away from my parents and get an official autism diagnosis then I can move forward with everything from a job and taking hormones but I gotta do those two things first and foremost.   

Quote from: FTMax on November 15, 2016, 08:21:34 AM
Ultimately it sounds like you're either going to have to rock the boat with your parents or stay stuck where you are, if you're unable to move or do what they'd prefer you to do in terms of a career. Have you considered having them come here and read some of your threads to better understand your point of view?

I wish everyone knew my parent's temperament much better it's why I can't tell them anything I can't tell them how I truly feel that's a recipe for another terrifying situation sorry I don't wanna repeat my failed coming out.   

Anyone now of any banks that are Autism friendly?? I still think I might make a fairly good bank teller or something but like every other job I looked into I'm scared of getting fired for being slow. But wouldn't a bank rather someone be accurate?? And I do have some social skill where I can cope with interacting with people I just worry about getting fired for being slow. That's my biggest worry.

And also I found a therapist that like screens adults for Autism and charges like $80/hr still not sure how I'm gonna afford but it's a start. Sometimes I wish I could just ask for donations but I don't like asking people for money. And insurance is out of the question I tried talking with my parents again about seeing a therapist (by making up something totally unrelated to autism) and they again shoot it down and just did the old pep talk how I just need to be more confident that's what I'm dealing with in regards to that.       

 

Quote from: EmilyRyan on November 17, 2016, 11:54:08 PM
Anyone now of any banks that are Autism friendly??

For a teller, how are your customer service skills?

Back office operations in a bank might be a better start. How are your math and computer skills?

If you have access to your parent's insurance than nag them to use it. Nag them until you can't nag no more. Than nag some more. Keep nagging until they give in. That is surely not beyond your means.

Quote from: KarynMcD on November 18, 2016, 10:56:54 AM
For a teller, how are your customer service skills?

Back office operations in a bank might be a better start. How are your math and computer skills?

From previous experience from when I worked at Goodwill I was a donations attendant and my duties included assisting customers with unloading their donations, giving them a receipt if they want, and answering questions. If there's any part of that job I did well other than being organized it was interacting with customers granted I was nervous half the time but it did help with people skills and being more social than I ever was.

Math skills well I can count, add, subtract, and multiply somewhat. Computer skills I know how to use a computer well I know how to use most windows programs with little issues. I can also troubleshoot most internet connection and general computer errors. I think I'm capable of doing basic IT work just haven't found the opportunity to test that yet.

Back office work?? What kind of back office work can you do at a bank??

Quote from: EmilyRyan on November 18, 2016, 01:36:14 PM
Computer skills I know how to use a computer well I know how to use most windows programs with little issues. I can also troubleshoot most internet connection and general computer errors. I think I'm capable of doing basic IT work just haven't found the opportunity to test that yet.

  maybe you should look into a pell grant. if you can find a place that helps with job placement they can probably help you get a pell grant and maybe money for therapy. you will have to do a job search i think but if you explain your employment troubles to them they may help you find a whole new career. if you do get a grant i would bet the school you go to would higher you for something. this may take awhile to accomplish, but would be well worth it.

Been a long time since I used a Pell Grant, but I'm almost certain their rules haven't changed. Pell Grants can only be used towards college expenses which includes the rent associated with a dorm/ apartment so I don't believe it can be used towards therapy and other transition related expenses under federal government rules governing Pell Grants. Hugs
Mariah

Quote from: 1972scarednalone on November 18, 2016, 01:52:18 PM
  maybe you should look into a pell grant. if you can find a place that helps with job placement they can probably help you get a pell grant and maybe money for therapy. you will have to do a job search i think but if you explain your employment troubles to them they may help you find a whole new career. if you do get a grant i would bet the school you go to would higher you for something. this may take awhile to accomplish, but would be well worth it.

Quote from: Mariah on November 18, 2016, 01:57:12 PM
Been a long time since I used a Pell Grant, but I'm almost certain their rules haven't changed. Pell Grants can only be used towards college expenses which includes the rent associated with a dorm/ apartment so I don't believe it can be used towards therapy and other transition related expenses under federal government rules governing Pell Grants. Hugs
Mariah

Yeah you're correct about the pell grant I can only use it for paying for school and school related expenses. Also I don't qualify anyway unless I'm move out and have to be moved out for at least two years to qualify.

Hi Emily.

What would happen if you were able to achieve a diagnosis?

How would your parents react?

How much independence would your parents 'allow' you to have after the diagnosis?

Have you planned what you would do immediately on receipt of the news, do you have a plan?

With that scenario in mind, what would they do if you did legitimately use the family medical insurance, to meet your medical needs as an adult? Is it any better, or worse?

Remember, you have protection under the law against physical harm, and as an adult, you have the right to look after your own requests for medical support.

Take care.

Sno.

No need to move out..stay with your parents and save money while you make money!

If you like numbers there are remote accounting jobs that pay well, and a transwoman friend does remote medical coding because her wife won't allow her to go out dressed as female in public: 

http://thefreelancebookkeeper.com/blog/virtual-bookkeeping-working-clients-remotely/

There are many free online accounting certification courses, such as https://news.gcase.org/free-online-course/  billed as World's first online Global Entrepreneurship Program.

Here is a source for free online classes to learn medical coding: http://medicalcodingtrainingfree.blogspot.in/

If you like children, people certified in American Sign Language can usually find work in public schools, with a high starting salary.

There are many free online ASL certification programs, both here and you can google your own: http://study.com/articles/List_of_Free_Online_American_Sign_Language_Training_Programs.html

Quote from: Sno on November 18, 2016, 08:03:40 PM
What would happen if you were able to achieve a diagnosis?

I would be able to have access to services that help with things like employment and I'll be able to get whatever accommodations I would need to help keep what job I get. Also I'd have a better peace of mind knowing why I have the issues I have with job performance and certain academics.   

Quote from: Sno on November 18, 2016, 08:03:40 PM
How would your parents react?

Well I want to be moved out before I get screened/diagnosed for autism it'll be easier that way. But if I were somehow able to get diagnosed while still living at home I would do it all in secret so they won't know. 

Quote from: Sno on November 18, 2016, 08:03:40 PM
How much independence would your parents 'allow' you to have after the diagnosis?

See above statement.

Quote from: Sno on November 18, 2016, 08:03:40 PM
Have you planned what you would do immediately on receipt of the news, do you have a plan?

Make good use of services that help people with autism/disabilities get a job and move forward with life.

Quote from: Sno on November 18, 2016, 08:03:40 PM
With that scenario in mind, what would they do if you did legitimately use the family medical insurance, to meet your medical needs as an adult? Is it any better, or worse?

They would lose it and probably go ballistic due to the fact I did something behind their back that's how it goes with them.

Quote from: Raell on November 18, 2016, 09:06:23 PM
No need to move out..stay with your parents and save money while you make money!

If you like numbers there are remote accounting jobs that pay well, and a transwoman friend does remote medical coding because her wife won't allow her to go out dressed as female in public: 

http://thefreelancebookkeeper.com/blog/virtual-bookkeeping-working-clients-remotely/

There are many free online accounting certification courses, such as https://news.gcase.org/free-online-course/  billed as World's first online Global Entrepreneurship Program.

Here is a source for free online classes to learn medical coding: http://medicalcodingtrainingfree.blogspot.in/

If you like children, people certified in American Sign Language can usually find work in public schools, with a high starting salary.

There are many free online ASL certification programs, both here and you can google your own: http://study.com/articles/List_of_Free_Online_American_Sign_Language_Training_Programs.html

I took an accounting class and found I'm not good at it the only reason I passes the class was because I have good reading comprehension.

I've never been able to grasp American Sign Language due to my learning disability if I were to ever end up deaf/hard of hearing I would have to actually carry a pencil and paper so people can communicate with me.

I said before and will say it again just for a simple reminder: I have to move out away from my controlling parents before I can get a job, diagnosis, etc. Moving out before I can do any of these is key.