AIBU to seek a mandatory reconsideration of my son’s DLA award?

[Blinmey]

I have just got my son’s renewal back, they have awarded him low-rate care and low rate mobility. However I think he should have got a higher award, he has autism, adhd and a gastrointestinal diagnosis. Whilst all his needs means he consistently needs help with lots of things, his gastrointestinal issue is one of the most significant as he soils throughout the day and night and with his autism he needs help with this (changing pants, washing underwear, washing hands, showering, hygiene). He gets up during the night and needs help with this, as he will do things like put soiled pants back on or not wash his hands or leave the toilet in a state. I put all of this on his form and gave the evidence which is letters from his paediatrician confirming all of this. The reasons DLA gave for low-rate was that he is at a mainstream school, he doesn’t have an EHCP and he’s described as being clever and happy.

He is 12.

Does this sound right to experts on here or should I be putting in a mandatory reconsideration?

Yep.

You also have to be repetitive. I was told by the hospital social worker that if you feel like you are repeating yourself, you are doing something right.

It’s so frustrating, especially the attitudes of other people.

I wish I didn’t have to send my son to private school, it would save me a lot of money. I think this is also indicative of the attitude towards private education, there’s an assumption that every family who makes that choice is loaded / a snob / wanting to give their DC an advantage of everyone else. My son’s school has 40% neurodiversity, the families send their children because mainstream isn’t suitable for their child. Our disabled young people are being let down massively in state mainstream secondary and we have a worsening mental health crisis. I have sadly worked with a lot of young people who cannot attend school, are highly anxious or have other mental health / behavioural issues, and end up - as some people on this thread are worried about - ‘costing the tax payer more’ because the correct support and funding wasn’t there in the first place. These are young people that could have been working or otherwise contributing, but they’ve been incredibly let down and neglected by the system.

Just wanted to let anyone know who was interested that my son was awarded high rate care and low rate mobility through the mandatory reconsideration. I wasn’t expecting to receive a decision so quickly, but I’m really pleased, this money will greatly help.

Thank you everyone who gave advice.

It seems odd you deliberately give him the laxatives before bed knowing he will soil the bed. Why not give them to him in the morning so he goes to the toilet with his toilet pass during the day then probably wouldn't soil the bed at night. It must be so embarrassing for him.

That doesn’t sound right. We’ve just been reassessed for my son who is nearly 12 and has autism and GI issues. He got middle rate personal, lower rate for getting around.
he does have an EHCP and has communication needs associated with his autism (he’s under complex needs SALT team).

If you're not happy definitely appeal. I've not had to do it for a while but I always found loads of help online. Remember that you're describing how he is on the worst possible day.

I don’t, I give them to him at 8am (before school). It then takes about 6-12 hours for them to have the biggest effect, so he is at home when they really kick in. It is preferable that he is up late, in the comfort of his own home with me to assist, than me giving them in the evening and then he is having to try and deal with it by himself the next day whilst at school.