Child DLA waiting for autism and ADHD assessment

[ElephantGrey101]

My 7 year old is waiting for an assessment for autism and ADHD. His main problems are sleep and anxiety. He does get some support from the school for maths and social skills they were supportive of the referral. He also has tics.

Could we apply for DLA for him without a diagnosis?

DLA seems to be a passport to getting lots of other support. For example we looked into getting a Nimbus access card to prove his disability for days out. It seems to be much easier if you have DLA as proof.

@ElephantGrey101 yes you can apply for DLA while waiting for a diagnosis.

The assessment process is mostly about functional stuff, what DS can and cannot do and the help they need. If the school are supportive and you've got GP etc evidence and a referral I'd say go for it.

Yes DLA is based on need rather than diagnosis. You might find asking about applying in the SN Children Section

Oh that’s really good. I feel like I have been going round and round in circles trying to get any one to listen to me. We have been rejected everywhere for sleep support. I might be able to get him something privately.

I looked at the forms and there is a lot about the bedtime routine and help during the night. He needs a lot more support than his 2 year old sister.

He might he prescribed Melatonin after diagnosis, you can certainly ask for it but I do know some MNers buy Melantonin gummies from the USA.

If you know anyone going to Italy or France on holiday you can buy melatonin OTC there too.

You can apply for DLA. You don’t need a diagnosis. DLA is based on needs, not diagnosis. The Cerebra guide is helpful for completing the form.

If you want an access card, you don’t need a diagnosis for that either.

For sleep, was it a referral to a sleep clinic that was rejected?

His referral was rejected by paediatrics and CAMHS ( I think they have to be referred to the sleep clinic by paediatrics).

I am not sure I like the idea of buying melatonin off prescription but I know it is an option.

Not all sleep clinics require a referral by a paed. If your area does, you could look out of area.

I did not know that. I will have to investigate sleep clinics and how to get referred.

Everyone has been so helpful.

You can but you need evidence and often that evidence comes from going through the assessment process. If you have enough evidence to support the application it’s definitely worth doing now.

You could always call Caudwell Chikdren and ask for their advice.

I think the evidence I have is his SEN record from school about the support he his getting. GP records about the fact that he has been referred for an autism and ADHD assessment and about his sleep difficulties.

Is that enough? He also has tics so I am trying to get him help for that too.