Direct payments for DS2 (AUTISM)What to use them for?

[TwinkleTwinkleSeren]

Hello, just found out today that we have been awarded direct payments for DS2 to hire a PA to look after him/take him out and to activities etc. Is there anyone here that gets them and what do you use it for? We don’t know yet how many hours a week DS will get.

Yes we get 3 hours a week. We tend to use a PA to take ds swimming or to the park. We’ve built them up before and used in school holidays for full days with PA as he can’t access holiday clubs.

Thank you. That’s what we are hoping to do. If your PA has him for a whole day what do they do with him? We are so pleased that we are finally getting some help for our DS as we’ve had a long fight.

The activities depend on what your child likes.
Unfortunately, one of the PA's that attended a group that I volunteered with used to bring the young person over an hour or even 2 hours before the session opened to kill time, so they would often be sat outside in the car or in the reception area. PA would be scrolling through her phone or chatting to people whilst the young person stimmed (or became overwhelmed by lots of noise/people). Yes, I reported the PA.

For full days my Son’s PA has done swimming, lunch at a cafe, playground then watched a film with him at home. This gives me chance to get on top of things or give dd some much needed 121 time.

Yes. My youngest has a direct payment budget. It's not large, just over £1000 a month at the moment. It pays for PBS mostly, equipment as and when (have to get approval each time which takes ages) and day activities.