son leaving college & has aspergers - what now ?

hundredsandthousands_2

My 18 year old son has been told he cant access level 2 on his course because of his learning difficulties. So he has to leave college.

I dont know where we should turn next ? He finds it difficult with ANY change and has been up all night stressed.

Is there any benefits he can apply for, or any help in getting a job for people with special needs .

xylophone

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Autistic-spectrum-disorder/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx

"Adults with ASD can claim benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance. It's easier to apply for this once you have a clear diagnosis. Find out which benefits you may be entitled to on the National Autistic Society website. You can also read about Disability Living Allowance in Carers Direct or call the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882 200."

Any help?

DalePie

You can apply for DLA (I think xylophone has that one covered). Sadly, most colleges would have a similar policy (I know mine has just checked) and given the current economic climate I can't see him getting a job.

Having said that is there anything he would like to do as a job? Perhaps the college has level 1 courses for it? Maybe he can try for a job once he has passed the course (Hopefully the economic troubles will have passed somewhat by then).

Either way I'd be sad if he did end up on DLA. It's a slippery slope to nothingness once a person is on that (Seen it happen to friends sadly). Whatever you do try to keep him on in college with a nice routine of getting up each morning, seeing his pals in college and getting those projects and assignments done! DLA as opposed to EMA OR ALG is basically money for sitting around doing nothing, and sadly people end up as nothing as a direct consequence. It's an awful thing to watch happen!

hundredsandthousands_2

thanks for the information , he was diagnosed aged 7 years old, and has alot of other problems , dyslexic/dyspraxia/panic/anxiety/ocd.

He can not cope at all with change of rountine and this is what concerns me about him spending a life in his bedroom. We are a working family and the thought of him having empty days is scary.

If he has DLA , does he get ESA too ? or not together.
I also phoned a support group and the man there told me he can work 16 hours and still get benefits.

Its all so confusing.

LunaLady

Does he have a connexions advisor?

kingfisherblue

DalePie wrote: »

You can apply for DLA (I think xylophone has that one covered). Sadly, most colleges would have a similar policy (I know mine has just checked) and given the current economic climate I can't see him getting a job.

Having said that is there anything he would like to do as a job? Perhaps the college has level 1 courses for it? Maybe he can try for a job once he has passed the course (Hopefully the economic troubles will have passed somewhat by then).

Either way I'd be sad if he did end up on DLA. It's a slippery slope to nothingness once a person is on that (Seen it happen to friends sadly). Whatever you do try to keep him on in college with a nice routine of getting up each morning, seeing his pals in college and getting those projects and assignments done! DLA as opposed to EMA OR ALG is basically money for sitting around doing nothing, and sadly people end up as nothing as a direct consequence. It's an awful thing to watch happen!

DLA can be claimed even if someone is working. It is to help towards the cost of care and/or mobility needs, so i don't see how it would be sad if the OP's son did claim it.

Are you confusing DLA with ESA? ESA is an out of work benefit for those who are unable to work, usually due to health reasons.

Notmyrealname

hundredsandthousands wrote: »

He can not cope at all with change of rountine and this is what concerns me about him spending a life in his bedroom. We are a working family and the thought of him having empty days is scary.

If he has DLA , does he get ESA too ? or not together.
I also phoned a support group and the man there told me he can work 16 hours and still get benefits.

Its all so confusing.

I'm going to be in the same boat in another 8 years and I too share your concerns.

ESA is completely independent of DLA so you can have one or the other or both. He should get both. Being on ESA would give him access to training courses etc. Also as part of ESA is permitted work which may be what the advisor was on about. When it comes to DLA, working and income isn't taken into account - only care and mobility needs. You can get full DLA and work a fulltime job.

Dunroamin

I'd second the suggestion of seeing a Connexions Adviser. They'll know what's available for him locally in the way of community and voluntary projects. From what you say, this will be more important to him than claiming any money.

BigAunty

Shaw Trust is a national charity which supports disabled and disadvantaged people to prepare for work, find jobs and live more independently.

We believe everyone has the right to work and we have campaigned for 30 years to turn our vision into a reality.

Every year we work with over 75,000 clients who face barriers due to disability, ill health or social circumstance. Thousands of employers and public sector organisations also benefit from our range of services for business.

We are the UK’s largest third sector provider and one of the Government’s lead partners in the delivery of employment programmes for disabled and disadvantaged people

http://www.shaw-trust.org.uk/home

SandJ

DLA and ESA are completely seperate. Your son can get DLA and work any amount of hours, but for ESA it is different. Have you tried getting information from your local council? They often have programs that help people with special needs get into work or education. My husband receives DLA, ESA, and Housing Benefit, and he has all of the same conditions you listed for your son.

Blackpool_Saver

I am puzzled as to why he can't access level 2, is it that his college only goes up to level 1 or they think he isn't capable of level 2? Sounds very odd to me, please explain