Letter from the Customer Compliance Team

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

Coupon-mad wrote: »

LondonDiva makes a good point above - it is quite possible that an OT would not be able to attend such a meeting even if she were not off sick. They have a specific job to do, which doesn't include sitting in on benefits meetings I am afraid.

There are advocacy schemes which can help though, if you can find one.

OP, have you found out if there is an advocacy scheme in your area? I know the first time you met the advocate they would be a stranger, but they would be there to make sure your voice is heard (which is I think what you are saying you need?). And in future such meetings, maybe the same person could attend with you each time, someone who gets to know you well.

If there is a local Autism support group in your area, they may be able to suggest where you can find an advocate.

Sorry if any of this has already been said, I was skim-reading a bit!

I spoke to my OT today, she has Sciatica & is working from home as she is unable to drive.

She spoke to the woman from DWP today & explained both her situation, the difficulties I have with communication and the reason why I need her to be present during my interview.

Luckily the woman was very understanding & agreed to postpone my visit until 1st July when my OT wil be able to attend.

I shall let you all know how I get on in the hope that my experience may help someone else in a similar situation.

dmg24

Breast_Cancer_Survivor wrote: »

I spoke to my OT today, she has Sciatica & is working from home as she is unable to drive.

She spoke to the woman from DWP today & explained both her situation, the difficulties I have with communication and the reason why I need her to be present during my interview.

Luckily the woman was very understanding & agreed to postpone my visit until 1st July when my OT wil be able to attend.

I shall let you all know how I get on in the hope that my experience may help someone else in a similar situation.

Glad to hear that you are getting somewhere BCS, and that the DWP are being understanding of your needs.

It is not uncommon for OT's to attend meetings or medicals with a patient, I know of several instances where this has happened.

AsknAnswer

There you are. They do make allowances and they do try to help where possible. Now you have heard for yourself how they are willing to accomodate you, try not to worry yourself too much about your interview.

Best wishes.

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

AsknAnswer wrote: »

There you are. They do make allowances and they do try to help where possible. Now you have heard for yourself how they are willing to accomodate you, try not to worry yourself too much about your interview.

Best wishes.

The main reason I posted on here was that I was unsure whether my needs would of been taken into account, id read previous threads but no one appeared to of been in exactly the same situation as me.

I now feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders knowing my OT will be present to explain my unsociable behaviour, I am fully aware of my deficits & know how I can come across to people that don't know me.

I initially thought it was just my body language & lack of eye contact that made me stick out but from posting on here it's become apparent that I have problems with my written word as well, my use of language isn't the same as Neurotypicals.

Nevertheless I am glad I posted, hopefully it has given you NT's an insight into how people with Asperger's really communicate & it has certainly helped me realise where my difficulties lie.

Many thanks to everyone who gave advice.

mealone

Breast_Cancer_Survivor wrote: »

I spoke to my OT today, she has Sciatica & is working from home as she is unable to drive.

She spoke to the woman from DWP today & explained both her situation, the difficulties I have with communication and the reason why I need her to be present during my interview.

Luckily the woman was very understanding & agreed to postpone my visit until 1st July when my OT wil be able to attend.

I shall let you all know how I get on in the hope that my experience may help someone else in a similar situation.

No one with sciatica can give you a timetable of when they will be ok and cant say they will be well in two weeks to be at your interview, it dosnt work like that.

Nerve impingment is random and even with the drugs that give you ulcers there is no timescale to being well and if she attends an intreview with you she can shoot herself in the foot, if shes well enough for that whys she off work?

pipkin71

mealone wrote: »

No one with sciatica can give you a timetable of when they will be ok and cant say they will be well in two weeks to be at your interview, it dosnt work like that.

Nerve impingment is random and even with the drugs that give you ulcers there is no timescale to being well

Very true mealone.

A flare up can last a few days or weeks on end and there's no knowing how long it will last at each attack

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

mealone wrote: »

No one with sciatica can give you a timetable of when they will be ok and cant say they will be well in two weeks to be at your interview, it dosnt work like that.

Nerve impingment is random and even with the drugs that give you ulcers there is no timescale to being well and if she attends an intreview with you she can shoot herself in the foot, if shes well enough for that whys she off work?

This thread isn't even about my OT's illness, it was about me worrying about the letter I received from the Customer Compliance Team.

She said she was feeling slightly better today & that she will be back at work by 1st July, im fine with that, the DWP are fine with it so why would you have a problem?

I don't understand what you are getting at, as far as I was concerned everything was sorted now, ive thanked everyone concerned & now you are going off in another direction.

You really do seem to have a problem with me for some reason & im at a loss as to why, you don't know me, ive been nothing but honest as are most Autistic people.

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

Well I had my interview today which initially went as expected, for the purposes of claiming benefits I am not considered as living alone.

Because my boyfriend comes around to help me out with the kids etc he is classed as living with me, how rediculous!!

Luckily because my OT was present she was able to explain my specific needs & the amount of support that I require to function on a daily basis.

The lady from the DWP seemed to take everything onboard & could see how genuine I was being & fully sympathised.

Consequently I am now waiting for a final confirmation from the decision maker whether my specific situation will be classed as cohabiting or not.

If I don't hear anything within 2-3 weeks then everything is fine & we can carry on with our lives, if not I will have to appeal which I definitely will be doing.

I'll keep you all posted.

Teahfc

Good luck BCS :beer: Have followed this thread and although its not nice to hear of one person with so many things thrown at them I think you are dealing with it very well. All the best for the future

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

Teahfc wrote: »

Good luck BCS :beer: Have followed this thread and although its not nice to hear of one person with so many things thrown at them I think you are dealing with it very well. All the best for the future

Thank you so much Teahfc, that makes me feel like im actually understood, it's nice to know that there are kind & understanding people out there. :cheesy: