Assitance with funding for a child with additional educational needs

Jamie_Carter

shegirl wrote: »

She didn't state it was.I have no idea why the poster who picked her comment and said she clearly doesn't understand the system posted what he did.

Kingfisher stated 'care and/or mobility needs' which is self explanatory.She also stated that DLA is not always appropriate for learning difficulties.

Niether of those statements mean you have to have mobility needs to claim DLA.

The mind boggles!

That wasn't what she said was it?

kingfisherblue

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

Well that's not what you said is it??

I gave an example of someone with a specific learning disability who is not eligible to claim DLA (care or mobility) because they do not qualify.

In my later post, that you have quoted, I gave information about the mobility component, because I understood from your post that your child has no mobility needs but receives DLA, and I (perhaps mistakenly) assumed that you meant that they receive the mobility component. I pointed out some links that show that children with autism can qualify for DLA mobility.

I did explain this in a later post.

Jamie_Carter

kingfisherblue wrote: »

I gave an example of someone with a specific learning disability who is not eligible to claim DLA (care or mobility) because they do not qualify.

In my later post, that you have quoted, I gave information about the mobility component, because I understood from your post that your child has no mobility needs but receives DLA, and I (perhaps mistakenly) assumed that you meant that they receive the mobility component. I pointed out some links that show that children with autism can qualify for DLA mobility.

I did explain this in a later post.

Why would you assume that, when I quite clearly said that he has no mobility problems?

The OP was asking about how to obtain financial help for her son'r special needs. And the best way is to go down the DLA and statement route. The OPimplied that someone had told them scare stories that had put them off applying for DLA. And all you did was back those scare stories up. This isn't exactly going to help the OP is it?

shegirl

Just remember there is a difference between the children with disabilities team and those who deal with child protection (although disability team can be involved in that too if needed).Some fail to make a distinction and think they're all one and the same,but it's not the case They are there to enable and find the help/services that would be beneficial rather than coming in because you are struggling/something's not right.

kezlou wrote: »

Hi thanks again for clarifying about social services and how assessments are done.

I actually had a social worker between the ages of 11 and 16 yrs and quite frankly i had the worst experience with them it was unreal. I know other social workers who are not like this and are quite brilliant at what they do.

I'm not saying social services are all bad, please believe me when i say this, me and my partner prefer to keep the circle small for now. At the moment we have full control over what is happening with our child's education. I know it sounds very controlling, and it is, but we think its best for him.

If in the future we think we require assistance from them trust me i'll be straight on the phone.

Thank you Daska for the advice regarding school fees and non-mainstream school. I actually didn't realise that and i will look for the publication regarding an independent statement.


May i say that it is not people like kingfisher who stop people form claiming DLA. In my particular case it is me and my partner who think we shouldn't apply for it because a) we do not want our child labelled, b) if other children and parents find out he may be picked on at school c) we do not think we are entitled to it.
This is not a slight on anyone, so please do not be offended it is just our concerns.


I've just looked up the parent partner website and found an address for one where we live. Thanks for that kingfisher i'll give them a call tomorrow

Thanks shegirl, i managed to find a carers coffee morning break type thing on a Wednesday morning so i may pop along next week. Turns out it at the same venue where my son attends a group for children with ASD so thats good.

I'm also going to enquire at Dasiy chain and see if there's any groups where my son can go and see if there's anything for siblings, so my older son can attend. We all need some time to ourselves and i think, for my peace of mind, if do it through these crb checked people at least i know my children will be safe.

shegirl

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

Why would he get mobility components, he has no mobility problems, and I never said he did?

Just because someone gets DLA, it doesn't mean that they have mobility problems, as you implied.

She didn't imply that anywhere!

stiltwalker

Shegirl - it was actually me who used the word struggling and I think you may have slightly misunderstood my meaning. I did also mention the positive services that SS provide - I think they are generally a fantastic, if much maligned and seriously overworked, bunch. Unfortunately round where we are services are so stretched that if your child's care and therapy needs are being adequately met (even if you are dong much of it yourself) and you are not actually tearing your hair out in the process (hence the use of the word struggling) then you are highly unlikely to get anything other than a pat on the back. This is not just my experience but that of many parents of my acquaintance and also from talking to various practitioners. My DD is only 3 and as such we are still receiving some early years support, hence they could not do anything else for us but may be able to in the future. Sadly resources differ depending on area and I would certainly recommend anyone to make contact and see what is available to them in their situation and in their area.

Carers groups are a good source of both support and 'been there, got the t-shirt' advice, I have had excellent advice and support from other parents whose children are older than mine and who have already trodden that path with regards to schooling, therapies etc. We also have a small group for families with under 5's who meet weekly in the local Sure Start centre where the children can play and we can drink tea and rant! which is invaluable.

Kezlou - glad you found the details for parent partnership. Just spoke to my co-ordinator today, a lovely lady and very helpful and supportive.

Jamie_Carter

shegirl wrote: »

She didn't imply that anywhere!

Try reading the posts

shegirl

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

Why would you assume that, when I quite clearly said that he has no mobility problems?

The OP was asking about how to obtain financial help for her son'r special needs. And the best way is to go down the DLA and statement route. The OPimplied that someone had told them scare stories that had put them off applying for DLA. And all you did was back those scare stories up. This isn't exactly going to help the OP is it?

I assume because she couldn't find any other reason for your pointless and way off Mark post

shegirl

As I said,struggling is a word with different meanings to different people and given the worries some have over ss it's not a term I use unless someone actually isn't coping-needs not being met/things not being done.

It wasn't just your post that made me reply

Tearing my hair out at times isn't 'really struggling' to me as I'll get over it and do it anyway.Many (professionals included) often use the term to suggest things actually not happening,being done appropriately,properly etc in other areas so,those who worry,tend to think along those lines (if you get me).just had an old friend who refused to gain any assistance for those very reasons as she could get things done despite it being very hard and neglecting herself because she doesn't deem it as 'really struggling'.

Sorry for the rant,not in the best mood at the mo anyway but wanted to point it out so those,like the op,who have had previous contact with social services remember the difference

stiltwalker wrote: »

Shegirl - it was actually me who used the word struggling and I think you may have slightly misunderstood my meaning. I did also mention the positive services that SS provide - I think they are generally a fantastic, if much maligned and seriously overworked, bunch. Unfortunately round where we are services are so stretched that if your child's care and therapy needs are being adequately met (even if you are dong much of it yourself) and you are not actually tearing your hair out in the process (hence the use of the word struggling) then you are highly unlikely to get anything other than a pat on the back. This is not just my experience but that of many parents of my acquaintance and also from talking to various practitioners. My DD is only 3 and as such we are still receiving some early years support, hence they could not do anything else for us but may be able to in the future. Sadly resources differ depending on area and I would certainly recommend anyone to make contact and see what is available to them in their situation and in their area.

Carers groups are a good source of both support and 'been there, got the t-shirt' advice, I have had excellent advice and support from other parents whose children are older than mine and who have already trodden that path with regards to schooling, therapies etc. We also have a small group for families with under 5's who meet weekly in the local Sure Start centre where the children can play and we can drink tea and rant! which is invaluable.

Kezlou - glad you found the details for parent partnership. Just spoke to my co-ordinator today, a lovely lady and very helpful and supportive.

duchy

Mobility isn't just about if you can physically walk though -My son gets lower mobility because his emotional needs make mobility difficult and public transport a nightmare due to panic attacks and anxiety over the years.

I couldn't face the forms so didn't claim for 10 years after he was diagnosed. We got excellent support-however DLA does open certain doors unconnected to extra educational support -for example CTC is paid at a higher rate as there is a disability component, days out can be easier as kids on the autistic spectrum have issues with dealing with queues and crowded places-a DLA award letter will usually get a front of the line pass making an unthinkably stressed day out a possibility (there are also some entry fee benefits too). With the ever increasing anti disability culture without a DLA award not all services and help will be available to you too.

I think your OH is misunderstanding. Social services are never automatically involved and having a DLA award or not isn't a marker for a referral. I have never ever seen a social worker (my son was diagnosed at 6 and is now 20) or even had one suggested. If you NEED their help then having the award may make them listen better but the vast majority of parents with ASD kids who don't feel the need for SS intervention have no contact with them.