Son with possible 'learning difficulties'

azjh77

Our son is 3 and a half, and while he attends nursery for 2 sessions a week, he is unable to talk nor have we been able to potty train him. He also has some OC tendencies. I personally think he is autistic, both of my nephews are on the spectrum, but I know this can take years to officially diagnose.

Is it possible to claim some kind of DLA for him? He needs 24 hour supervision - he has been known to get up in the night and draw on walls !! He has already bitten a child at nursery and can be quite aggressive towards the baby. I can't even 'pop to the loo' unless someone is watching him.

Due to my own health - and his physical strength! - I can't manage him on my own (not with a 10 month old baby as well) so my Husband stays at home and I work part-time (was full-time before the baby) If we were entitled to any extra money it would be a great help, but does he have to actually have an official 'illness', recognised by the doctor? or can I fill forms in with help from his speech therapist?

Thank you for reading.

D&DD

I would apply now for DLA. Your story is very like mine and yes I agree it takes a long time to get the official 'label' took til my boy was almost 6!
As he's starting school now you will hopefully get in the system and start to get help the school normally send referrals through round these parts to the agencies needed to assess for things.When I first applied my son had no official labels but I just told them how his life was and included his speech therapy report and a contact for the school.I also remember how hard it was for us when my son was that age so I do feel for you I'm a bit older and more 'battlehardened' now :rotfl: Best of luck D

Morglin

Try this online assessment to see:

http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/special/children.asp

I would try to get him assessed though - my grandson was diagnosed as being on the spectrum at 3, so perhaps your GP could hurry things along?

Lin

N71

Hi - he sounds very similar to my son at that age. I've always thought he's autistic, but they're still not calling him autistic!

We were able to claim DLA when he was three. He was statemented with 'global developmental delay' - because I don't think they knew what else to label him with! With his statement, he got a place at 3 1/2 at a lovely school for children with special needs.

We were rejected for DLA twice - but with the help of his teacher and school nurse, we sucessfully appealed. Then they'd only award it for a year at a time - as it was unsure of his condition, and how he would progress. He's now been awarded it until he's 14. Apparently this is quite common.

I would suggest you apply, and if needed, appeal and appeal again. The DLA form is an absolute nightmare and can be quite upsetting when you see it in writing! But be completely honest and explain exactly why he is different to 'normal' boys of his age.

Depending on you're income, once he's in receipt of DLA, you can apply for carers allowance. I don't get it because I earn too much, although i'm single and only work part time. The earning limit is something ridiculous like £75.00 per week!

Also, when he's got his DLA he may get the higher rate of mobility (mine does), meaning you can use it to pay for a motability vehicle, get the blue badge etc - anything to make your life easier.

Also, try the Family Fund. The will help families with disabled children, once a year with a variety of things to make your life easier. The do allsorts, like washing machines, tumble dryers (i imagine you're washing pile is similar to mine!), cash towards holidays, cash for extra clothing/bedding etc. Do a google search for Family Fund and you'll get more info.

My boy is 10 next week. He's still in nappies (but doing well at wearing undies in school at the moment!), not talking, but his behaviour is good (touch wood!) at the moment. We still don't know what the future holds but theres not much we can do about that!

I'd look out and apply for anything you can to make his, yours and your familys life a bit easier.

If you need any info, if I can help, I will. I know how difficult your situation is!

nikkypowell@yahoo.co.uk