Would it be worth me applying for DLA for DD1, or would I just be wasting my time?

[SantaJaxx]

DD1 is 9 and has ASD. She goes to a mainstream school and on the outside pretty much functions normally, albeit not quite as normally as NT kids. Academically she's on the same level as dd2 (NT) who's in year 1. Although in other ways she's very typical of her age. She doesn't have any mobility issues or anything, her main "setback" is academics and to some extent her social abilities.

We're in the process of applying for a statement as we really think she'll need it when she starts secondary school.

I read a post on here a while back where the poster said they get DLA for the DC and it pays for some private tuition. We'd love to be able to get some private tuition for her as she really needs all the help she can get.

So my question, would it be worth applying at all for DLA? DD1 doesn't have any outward disabilities, although she's still wet at night, but that's pretty much nothing really. Should I just apply anyway in the hope of getting somewhere? I've read that it's a pretty gruelling and stressful process, and I'm wondering if it would be worth going through it.

[Lougle]

There are some misconceptions about DLA. Although it is a monetary award, it really isn't about whether parenting a child with a disability 'costs more' or is 'harder work'. It is simply about whether their care needs mean that they need 'substantially more supervision or attention' than other children of their age.

Remember, that this test is applied to every aspect of care. Therefore, you may find that she is completely independent with dressing (wouldn't qualify) and needs no more help than another child with homework (wouldn't qualify) but gets so anxious about going to school that you have to put into place extensive routines and support her with organising herself to reassure her that she has everything (would qualify).

So, extra time spent explaining, reassuring, etc. is all 'care'.