2 year old

[TinkyWinkyLaLaPo]

My nearly 3 year old is going through tests for autism, and has suspected sensory difficulties.

I’ve just been informed I could apply for DLA for him , but he hasn’t got an official diagnosis yet?

he doesn’t sleep, he eats very little, he hates loud noises and places to the point we can barely go out, he self harms ie snacks himself or if there’s a sharp part of his toys he will stab him self with it, he doesn’t talk much and when he does communicate it’s just noises really, he HATES getting his hair cut so much so we’ve tried before when he’s been asleep in his pushchair, he doesn’t play , he has no imaginative play there’s loads more I know I just can’t think right now.

i just want to know if anyone has any experience with this kind of thing? I’ve got 2 other children and I’ve never had to go through this 😔

Does he attend a preschool setting? The professionals involved should be able to support and advise you or signpost you to others who can help.
You can send for the DLA forms and there may be SEN groups or people locally who can help you with the form if needed. If awarded it would be backdated to when you requested the form.
I’d also look at requesting an EHCNA for an EHCP for school. You can request this as a parent if his setting aren’t initiating the process.
You could post more specific difficulties or questions on the SEN board for help and support.

You don't need a diagnosis to claim DLA, you just need to be able to show that your child needs considerably more care than would be expected for a child of their age. Things like a sleep diary can help with your claim and so can statements from people who know him well.

DLA is about additional care needs and a three year old needs pretty much continuous care, and often don’t reliably sleep, so whilst you don’t need a diagnosis, I think you will struggle to be successful without supporting evidence from a professional.

He doesn’t go to nursery no, he struggles at toddler group!
I’ve got evidence to back it up, letters from
hv, doctors referrals etc I just didn’t know if I needed a diagnosis!

Referrals won’t do. What you need is a professional specifically stating how the needs are greater than other children his age eg “the child has attended the paediatric sleep clinic for XX months and despite being prescribed melatonin does not sleep, he wakes multiple times in the night and needs continuous supervision by an adult to ensure he doesn’t leave the house in the night or climb out of window. This happens every night for 20 mins and is at two hour intervals”.

That’s the kind of documented evidence that you need.