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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

SN children

DLA award result! What should I spend it on?

22 replies

FlyMeToTheMoonAndLetMePlay · 13/08/2008 22:17

I got my DLA award for my autistic ds today , he got the higher rate.
This is the first time we have applied and they took only 15 days from my application going in and them putting money in my bank!
I am grateful and amazed tbh.

What I am wondering is what should I be spending it on?
What do others spend theirs on?
Should I try to save some for him or use it for days out and equipment?

Does anyone have a link to a website for resources he might enjoy etc?

Hope you are all enjoying the holidays.
Thankyou in advance.

OP posts:

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Seuss · 13/08/2008 22:20

That's fantastic. You have to use some for a fun day out. I think that is compulsory!

FlyMeToTheMoonAndLetMePlay · 13/08/2008 22:29

Thanks seuss, I think Thomas Land would be a big hit with him!

OP posts:

expatinscotland · 13/08/2008 22:31

We spend it on: swimming lessons for DD1 to improve her coordination (she had dyspraxia), art lessons for DD1 (same thing) and save what we can.

Right now, we're waiting for her to get transport for SEN nursery, which is 11 miles away each way. Diesel and wear and tear on the car adds up to a lot, so we try to put by for that.

I also use it to buy books on dyspraxia and do research on it and to buy her clothes that are easy for her to put on and take off.

Tclanger · 13/08/2008 22:32

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

expatinscotland · 13/08/2008 22:34

I'd like to save up so that if she needs any aids in her learning there will be £££ for that.

I've used some to buy special pencils to improve her grip or help her hands not get so tired.

She does very well with electronic equipment so I got two games for DH's DS Lite and some LeapPad books for her LeapPad, too.

Tclanger · 13/08/2008 22:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

expatinscotland · 13/08/2008 22:40

thanks for the link, tc!

wow, right up DD1's street. i love all the balance stuff.

Seuss · 13/08/2008 22:43

I put in my forms that ds needs to do stuff like soft-play and swimming and so have no qualms about spending some of it on that!

Tclanger · 13/08/2008 22:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FlyMeToTheMoonAndLetMePlay · 13/08/2008 22:49

I have now spent a years worth of DLA on the site you linked to TC albeit in my head and on crazy things like musical waterbeds
Some great things on there.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket please?

OP posts:

Tclanger · 13/08/2008 22:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Tclanger · 13/08/2008 23:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

lourobert · 14/08/2008 09:33

I save my sons into a separate account so its there to spend on stuff he needs....Ive recently bought him a swing from tfh- expensive but worth every penny. ALso bought him a seat for when we go to friends houses.

I buy alot of sensory equiptment and also use it to top up and pay for summer nursery fees.

misscutandstick · 14/08/2008 17:02

A quick word of warning: Thomas land... ITS NOT a toddler thing, there are maybe about 3 rides that an NT child with average fears could go on. But it depend on your child, his age, his security level etc. I wasnt at all impressed considering we took 3y/o for his birthday and there was barely anything for him to go on.

ouryve · 14/08/2008 19:16

Ours is going into a fund for a new car. The car we have isn't getting any younger. I also need to learn to drive at some point, but I doubt if that is ever going to happen until DS2 is in school. I'll be in my 40s by then and I'm not at all coordinated, so it'd probably take an awful lot of lessons and I'm not sure we could afford to run 2 cars, anyhow.

theheadgirl · 14/08/2008 21:17

TBH our DLA is used for all of us, as I feel DD3's SN impact on me and her 2 sisters as well as obviously DD3 herself. So as a family we probably have more and better holidays and days out thanks to the award. I also save some each month.

Flowertots · 14/08/2008 22:33

Please forgive my ignorance but my daughter is awaiting diagnosis and is 3.5yrs old. Possible autism or similar condition. What is a DLA award, who is eligible and where do I go to find out more?
Thanks

Tclanger · 15/08/2008 09:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

lourobert · 15/08/2008 10:42

I also used to ds DLA to get a new digital video camera as hes starting to do so much I wanted to capture it all on camera.

Buckets · 15/08/2008 16:12

We just got ours too. Had budgeted to spend the lower rate on pre-school lunchclub and an afternoon at childminder friend's each week but we got middle rate instead! So I've put half the backpayment in his Child Trust Fund already. Think the rest will probably just go on general cost of living for the moment and I'll occasionally skim off a bit for his CTF.

Buckets · 15/08/2008 16:13

BTW Has everyone told Child Tax Credits about their DLA? Apparently it can give you an increase in CTCs.

lourobert · 15/08/2008 16:14

I think the extra tax credits are means tested.?!

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