Help and support Living with dystonia Employment Living with dystonia affects people differently. It can sometimes affect your ability to work. This will depend on the treatments used to manage your condition, the form or type of dystonia you have, and the type of work you do. We believe that people living with dystonia should be supported to live well, with opportunities to remain in employment for as long as this is right for them. You may need to find different ways to complete tasks but lots of people can continue to do the things they did before their diagnosis. Many people find being diagnosed with dystonia gives them access to treatment options which can help with symptoms. What to do if you are employed If you are employed, you might need to check your employee handbook or speak to HR to know whether you are required to inform them about your dystonia. This may depend on the type of work you do. If your dystonia is affecting your ability to continue to work, it may be helpful to: Speak to your employer about any reasonable adjustments that might make it easier for you to continue working with your dystonia. Explain what your difficulties are. Make sure you explain clearly what you can do as well as what you can’t do. Do you have less/more symptoms at a certain time of day. What makes the job difficult and what might make it easier. Ask your manager or personnel department whether there is an Occupational Health Service available in your workplace and, if so, what help it can offer. Contact your local Jobcentre and ask to speak to a Disability Employment Adviser You may also be entitled to additional help from the UK government's Access to Work scheme (there is a different system in Northern Ireland).