son been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder DLA

sweetangel63

I am going to claim DLA for my son. A welfair officer is coming over to see me on Friday to help me fill the forms as they looked complicated for me to do. Has anyone else claimed for this. what is the average amount you can get? some days are good, but when days are bad, i struggle getting my daughter to school on time. he wont walk cause his shoes are not done up properly etc.
Angela

*sandymogs*

Hi sweetangel. I have a son with high functioning autism and we applied for DLA when he was 6. I didn't know about DLA until I read about the benefit in the help pages of a library book on help for children with special needs.

We didn't have anyone to help us fill in the forms and yes, they are very complicating. My son was awarded the medium rate for care with our first claim and two years later, after his official diagnosis, he was awarded the higher rate for care and lower rate for mobility. He was fortunate enough to be awarded this rate until he is 16.

You really need to explain the help he needs in exact detail. It is worth joining a local support group if you can and the NAS on line have got quite a bit of information here.

quietheart

http://www.bhas.org.uk/freeguides/dla-child-mentalgrounds.pdf

this is a fantastic guide on filling out the forms. it'll still take time but it worked for us and we got high rate dla. i found it invaluable for explaining what they want to know in your answers and not to be frightened of telling it as it is not sugar-coating it and don't worry about repeating your answers. best of luck.

sweetangel63

have had some extra money from child tax credits. was not expecting anything so quick. will help with some bills :-)

Morglin

It is awarded in some cases, but the applications generally need good support from the medics involved and the school/nursery as to the child's needs.

The awards tend to be lower/middle rate, and generally are reviewed every few years.

But, your WRO will be able to give you more specific advice.

Lin

sweetangel63

welfair officer said i prob get middle rate. but will have to wait and see.
angela

sweetangel63

i got higher rate care component, nothing for mobilty but said they will contact me when he is 5. applying for carers allowance now. started a course to help understand autism, early days but im learning.

Jummy

My 9 yr old son is autistic and receives the high rate for both care and mobility.
He has very little speech and is still in nappies and has very challenging behaviour.
He attends a 'special needs' school and i had the support of his GP,paed consultant,teacher,and OT when filling out the forms.
His first award 6 yrs ago was for 3 yrs,then another 3,but now we have an indefinite award.
Good luck with the form filling.

lil_me

sweetangel well done for getting through the process, I know what a nightmare it can be, I hope the payments help support your son.

www.asd-forum.org.uk is a good forum, parents, carers and members on the spectrum themselves.

Jummy well done for managing to get the higher mobility, not many do.

Sarahsaver

i GET MIDDLE RATE CARE FOR MY SON WHO IS 'AWAITING diagnosis sorry about the capitals...oops.
I am supposed to be in bed I will post more tomorrow.
Best wishes;)

Jummy

lil_me wrote: »

sweetangel well done for getting through the process, I know what a nightmare it can be, I hope the payments help support your son.

www.asd-forum.org.uk is a good forum, parents, carers and members on the spectrum themselves.

Jummy well done for managing to get the higher mobility, not many do.

The high rates were for my sons 'severe mental impairment' and 'severe behavioural problems' (what was on the award letter).
Most of the mums i know get middle care and low mobility,but my son also has problems with his feet so that was taken into account as well.
I hope it all goes well for the OP.