Molly56

I have a friend who is currently claiming Universal Credit and who has been asked to attend a meeting next week to discuss this. She currently works 16 hours a week and I believe she has tried to increase this with her employer asking for extra hours but has been unable to secure any extra hours recently as no extra hours available and she is worried about how this may reflect on her status with Universal Credit. I know that she is worried about the meeting and unfortunately does not have anyone that can go with her to the meeting - I would offer but am working myself that day and don't know if she would agree to it if I did offer. About eighteen months ago when attending a counselling session it was suggested by the therapist that she may be autistic and an initial assessment made at the time suggested that this was probably the case. I believe from what she has told me that she was to been referred for official diagnosis but that this would take approx two to three years and that she is still waiting for this. My reason for mentioning this is that she has not mentioned this to Universal Credit as she doesn't think she can until she has that official diagnosis - is this the case or should I be encouraging her to do so. Would they take this into account whilst considering her case and any expectations they have or put on her in terms of her ability to work more. Working closely with her I can see the ways in which her autism does affect her and whilst she is able to work (and working does her good) I can see the impact that this is having and how she may not be able to physically or mentally cope with having to do other type of work, or be forced to pack in the job she is doing (something she fears) to seek other work elsewhere which is outside of her comfort zone. I would also add that even though she has confided in me she has not shared this with her current employer so I do my best to support her how I can as her work colleague. If anyone can offer any advice on this I would appreciate it so that I can provide some support and advice to my friend, thank you