To ask a quick question about DLA please

[MansfieldLark]

Can anyone advise me, I sent in my DLA form for Ds with ASD alongside a 10 page report from his paediatric consultant (private diagnosis). I'm panicking that I didn't provide enough information, I answered the questions but mostly referred to separate pages in the report for the questions. Will this do? I'm wondering if I have provided enough information, stupidly thought that a huge report detailing his various struggles would be enough. I'm dyslexic and struggle greatly with admin and forms and feeling rather anxious about the whole process. Thanks

Also if its rejected could I appeal with more details?

Generally the questions on the form are worded in a way they want to know about the day to day impact in other areas so ideally adding your own words on how things are would have probably been best.

but it’s not the end of the world, if the claim gets turned down, or isn’t the level you think it should be, then ask for a mandatory reconsideration and at that point look for an advocate who can help you make sure things are as detailed as possible.

Hi there.

If it's rejected - yes you can appeal using mandatory reconsideration process. Details will be in the letter.

Re the answers. With DLA (and PIP) it's more about how the conditions affects the person rather than what they've got.

If the report lists it as struggles as you state it should be okay - but if it comes back rejected you may need to copy the relevant paragraphs from the form into the answers.

I only sent my daughters ehcp and was awarded

I'm sure it will be fine. My son isn't Evan diagnosed and with literally no medical report what so ever and have got through 14 years of his life with no kind of medical appointments for ASD. I filled in the form and answered the questions and that's all.i added no extra info, no outside reports and he was awarded.

Hi OP, how old is your son, do you have speech and language assessments and have the school made reports as well. Have they asked for an educational psychologist to assess him. If you have other reports to add to the paediatric one then if you need to appeal add as much information as possible.

Thanks all, the report includes his struggles at school and home etc. His EHCP has been turned down which us another battle I have. Ds is 10.

Its about need not diagnosis. I would ensure your GP has a copy of the report but as long as you have answered all the questions you should be fine.

Thank you, my GP has a copy of the report. I will just have to see what happens and try not to worry.

The DLA, form is not really meant to.trip.you up.they just want to know the care you provide for your child is above and beyond that of, typical child of the same age ,so.ideally give them as much detsil.as possible.there is an appeal process to.fo.down if he doesn't get awarded so.don't worry to.much regarding evidence you don't always needs loads but you generally need some so.one or two reports vrom.a professional may well be enough.

Imwas the opposite - I didn’t have a professional’s letter when I applied - I just sat down and did it one day and sent it off. It was awarded no problem at all. See what happens.

If your claim gets rejected, Citizens Advice can help with a Mandatory Reconsideration.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm feeling a bit more positive today.