INTRO-

Hi there! I'm Iseme. I’m based in London and I work as a Zoo Educator with a Masters Degree in Wild Animal Biology.

Last year I discovered, through conversations with friends who are neurodivergent themselves or who look after neurodivergent people, that I’m actually neurodivergent!

Specifically with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

I also noticed some ‘quirks’ that I’ve had for years such as sensitivity to certain sounds and textures, resistance to corporate jobs that involve a lot of sitting still and I started to ask myself whether these may be linked to me being Autistic with ADHD.

I’ve never held a job for longer than 3 years and I’ve always wondered why and I strongly suspect ADHD might be the cause.

I find it really upsetting that even with a Masters degree qualification I haven’t been able to secure long term work in an area I’m passionate about.

As Autism is also a social disorder it means that networking for job roles is really stressful for me and something that I’ve always struggled with.

According to the scientific literature, 50 to 70% of individuals with ASD also present with comorbid ADHD, so I would like to get clinically tested for both simultaneously.

CURRENT SITUATION-

I’m currently on Universal Credit, but like 40% of claimants in the UK I also have a job.

I was abruptly made homeless from October to December 2023 because my landlord sold off the previous property I was living in and the flatshare I was supposed to move into fell through at the last minute leaving me without a home to move into. (Basically an old friend of the main housemate was fleeing a domestic abuse situation so she took priority and got the room I was supposed to move into which left me homeless)

I ended up moving 5 times over the course of two months which was an incredibly stressful time for me as someone trying to hold a job down at the same time as moving, and also searching for accommodation all at the same time. As a single man of working age with no dependents I am at the lowest priority for council housing. As a suspected autistic person, house sharing is detrimental to my sensory needs because of the myriad of noises and sounds people make in the household.

Also I very much thrive being on my own and not having to deal with the politics of a multiple person household.(Basically if I’m not living with a wife, girlfriend or an animal, I can’t stand it!) One of the houses I stayed in during my homelessness period was an AirBnb studio flat which was detrimental to my needs as I heard every noise like the hum of the fridge which affected my sleep during the night so ideally I need a 1 bedroom flat, not a studio apartment.

(I also want to point out that I for my own safety I have not put my own postcode in my profile.)

My homelessness officer from the council I previously lived in insisted on getting me into private sector housing.

No attempt was made to find me a council-owned property. A place of my own in the private rental market is not only too expensive for me, but the majority of landlords will not accept tenants on Universal Credit anyway.

In terms of financial assistance with this private rent, the word “reasonable” was used but the amount was never specified.

Without this figure, house searching has been an exercise in futility.

And so the cycle continues: I can only afford to live in house shares, conditions which are unsuitable for my sensory needs and detrimental to my mental health.

And rather than getting the support I need, instead I have to work in a job with a zero hours contract in order to survive.

Currently I’m living in a multiple person household of four people where I have no control over the thermostat because the housing agency put the heating in the house on a timer to save on costs and have explained that personal heaters are not allowed in the property.

A ludicrous rule if ever I heard one, especially in the peak of winter!

Also having to deal with the politics of living with multiple people as a neurodivergent person who needs his own space is really stressful.

THE ASK-

Autism is recognized as a learning disability, and a diagnosis would make me more of a priority for council housing.

While the NICE guidelines state that the NHS waiting list for an assessment should be no longer than 3 months, the reality is that Autism and ADHD assessments on the NHS are many years long.

Right to Choose is a semi-private service, and while waiting times are just over a year, it has recently been overwhelmed by the sheer number of NHS referrals.

Additionally, there is often a long wait between diagnosis and the commencement of medical treatment; whereas in the private sector I could be diagnosed and starting on medication within weeks.

Successful treatment for my symptoms would put me in a better place to advocate for myself, to be independent, to improve my quality of life, and to thrive in my profession.

Fees

For the Autism assessment, I can claim a discount as a recipient of Universal Credit but the ADHD assessment is only offered at full price.

Autism Assessment = £1,500

ADHD Assessment = £530

ADHD Treatment (only applicable if diagnosed with ADHD) = £655

Private medication fees = £100 x 6 months

GoFundMe estimated fees = 3% + £0.25 deducted from each donation

Total = £4000

With the private provider I would also have to titrate on medication privately.

Once stable I’d be referred back to my NHS GP on a Shared Care agreement, and only then subject to affordable NHS prescription fees.

Titration time is estimated as a minimum of 3 months at an average of £100 for a month’s worth of medication.

However, this is complicated by the fact that there is a global shortage of ADHD medication, and it may take longer to find the best treatment for my symptoms, weighed against any side-effects.

CLOSING-

I realise this is a long message and a big ask.

Every penny raised will go directly to funding my assessments and medication for it. The alternative is to be on a waiting list for maybe 2 years which means more time spent undiagnosed, frustrated and living a sub-par life.

I recently turned 40 and I need a better quality and balance of life and career as a neurodivergent person.

Every donation helps and I thank you.