Those of You with a Disability and a Case Manager: Do You Have to Tell Your Case Manager About Your Diaper Wearing if it's by Choice?

[ABDElsa]

Today I had a meeting with my case manager of the business for adults with developmental disabilities I get services from. I have Autism, but it's high functioning so there's just a couple things I need extra help with than most. She was asking me all these questions to prepare for my annual meeting next week. Most of which didn't apply to me, but I get it, there's different levels of disability that affect people in different ways than others so, she's required by law to ask the same questions to everyone. Stuff like can I bathe/dress/use the bathroom by myself, at one point she asked if I use any special medical devices like catheters, Adult Undergarments (Diapers), or wipes. Well 2 out of those 3 things I use but it's by choice, not for incontinence. I told her no, but I'm wondering if I should've said something like "I don't need them but I do wear them for mental health reasons?"🤔

I saw someone on here say once that if you're at the Doctor's and they see you in a Diaper despite not being incontinent you can say you wear for mental health reasons and they'll ask no questions. I'm too afraid to do that though because I feel it won't work for me with my luck. However, in terms of my case manager I'm not sure if I should've answered differently because I don't wanna get in trouble for lying. She basically asked if I wear Diapers, and while I don't need them I do wear them (being an ABDL and all) so, the answer would technically be yes. IDK just something I was thinking about after we got off the phone. What do you think ADISC Community? Those of you with any kind of disability that doesn't cause incontinence but still works with a case manager, are you required to tell your case manager about your ABDL Diaper wearing? Or do you just keep that to yourself? Let me know in the comments below and as always...stay Diapered!🧷
-ABDElsa ❄️🍼

 

[dogboy]

I don't know what case managers do after they gather information, but my one thought would be, if one says yes, what happens next? If nothing, then I don't see the harm in telling. I have a nurse that visits me once a year to take vitals for my health insurance company. I often wonder why they bother and do they look at other things besides my health? I was sure to vacuum and dust before she came. at age 75 I wonder if they are assessing how independant I am?

So I'm not sure what the ramifications are if one says yes to diapers. You probably have a good understanding however so go with your gut feeling.

 

[MaxSyd]

Hi Elsa,

This is a great question! I have a disability and have a person similar to a case manager but it's different in Australia.
I wear diapers 24/7 as I didn't have much luck with other ways of managing my IC. I wear for need but I get that you wear for comfort and that is important too.

There are people who have ASD here in Australia who are on the NDIS (Governments national disability insurance scheme) and have diapers funded even though they technically don't need them for incontinence.

What would be the outcome from the case manager if you did tell them about wearing diapers? Would it be having diapers supplied? Or would it be getting extra support from support workers with management of diapers? or just a note on your file so that future support workers know about it?

It isn't uncommon for people with ASD or other mental health conditions to find comfort in diapers.

If I was you I would be open with the case manager and advise them about the diapers. Ask them what wearing diapers would change in the management of your disability for them?

Max

 

[ABDElsa]

Hi Elsa,

This is a great question! I have a disability and have a person similar to a case manager but it's different in Australia.
I wear diapers 24/7 as I didn't have much luck with other ways of managing my IC. I wear for need but I get that you wear for comfort and that is important too.

There are people who have ASD here in Australia who are on the NDIS (Governments national disability insurance scheme) and have diapers funded even though they technically don't need them for incontinence.

What would be the outcome from the case manager if you did tell them about wearing diapers? Would it be having diapers supplied? Or would it be getting extra support from support workers with management of diapers? or just a note on your file so that future support workers know about it?

It isn't uncommon for people with ASD or other mental health conditions to find comfort in diapers.

If I was you I would be open with the case manager and advise them about the diapers. Ask them what wearing diapers would change in the management of your disability for them?

Max

Very insightful thanks. How does one go about getting NDIS to fund Diapers for someone with ASD? Because I can't even get extra help with some disability because they told me if I make more than $1,300 a month I automatically don't qualify, and I make a little over $700 every 2 weeks, but the selfish government doesn't realize that's not even enough for rent! They don't wanna help anybody with anything! But that's a whole another argument.

 

[Nowididit]

I believe you could have told the case manager that you wear protection and left it at that. If the case manager would have inquired if you need assistance in diapering or changing you could have just said no, that you are capable of handling that on your own. I think the only issue would have been if you would have stated you wear for personal reasons and require assistance with diapering and changing.

 

[Wondercrinkee]

I haven't read the above, but it's best to go medical than mental.
They will always lean on wanting to "fix" it. I would say medical. Say "urge incontinence". That's just me, based on how I know how the system works here. Most care and case workers think they have to "fix" you. Beats me, but this is a sensitive question. I'd just say urge incontinence if the company is "tight" with armchair psychiatry.

But if the company is open-minded, and wearing is okay, then fine. But usually, the company feels they are in charge of a person's health and well-being, to a huge point by not condoning things they think may cause trouble with the client/consumers. If you or anyone is living in a particular business caregiving place, then they will do what they think is politically correct. Not always emotionally or mentally correct...without a lot of hassle with counseling.

That's just here, though at certain companies that are governed by the state through the non-profit deal. I worked at a few.

 

[KyleXY]

Dear Elsa,

I also have high functioning autism and wear diapers for comfort. I have told my social worker that i have a thing for diapers. as long as i am not harming anyone it is okay. However, if it feels like it gets in the way of my normal life then that is a problem.

If i were in your situation, i would make a judgement call about telling your case manager about your diapers. if she doesn't react well like she goes out of character then i would hire a case manager that will be sensitive to your needs. on the other hand if she understands your personal life then breathe a sigh of relief. that is just my opinion, listen to it or not. it is up to you.

 

[MaxSyd]

Very insightful thanks. How does one go about getting NDIS to fund Diapers for someone with ASD? Because I can't even get extra help with some disability because they told me if I make more than $1,300 a month I automatically don't qualify, and I make a little over $700 every 2 weeks, but the selfish government doesn't realize that's not even enough for rent! They don't wanna help anybody with anything! But that's a whole another argument.

It is crazy the differences across the world.
The NDIS here in Australia is quite different to most other countries disability support.

The NDIS is not means tested so no matter what you earn you can get onto it. So long as you reach the medical and residential requirements. It's not a "pension" or a "disability" payment. The money is only for disability supports and you only get funding for what you need. So incontinence supplies of your choice, support workers, physio, occupational therapy, speech therapy etc. The money isn't deposited into your account, so it can only be used for the approved items/supports/Activites.

So for someone with ASD to get funding they have to get a report from multiple medical professionals GP, Specialist, (OT) Occupational therapist, speech therapist all stating what supports you need. So one of those medical professionals would have to state that you use diapers for management of your ASD to have them funded. It doesn't need to come from a urologists it could be from a OT or psychologist/psychiatrist. That is how someone I know has gotten diapers funded and they do help them manage their ASD.