High Functioning Autism & DLA / Carers Allowance

[ComfortablyGlum]

My son is 15 and was diagnosed with HF ASD about 18 months ago. His school have been brilliant - he is able to use a laptop for lessons and the SENCO have been very supportive.

I’ve not applied for any additional help to date as although my son has no concept of hygiene, nutrition, self care etc I feel I’m doing ‘parenting’ rather than ‘caring’ if that makes sense?

However moving forward, DS (who is a physics / maths / computer genius) had expressed an interest in going to Uni when he’s older. I’m wondering if I should be applying for help for him now to get things in place should he wish to do so. I’m a bit confused as to what (if anything) I should apply for?

As he’s academically exceptionally bright it feels odd to claim for things on the basis he can’t do simple ‘living tasks’ without being told specifically- aka he’d wear the same clothes indefinitely if not told otherwise!

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I’m concerned about his future if I don’t get something in place.

HF DS (similar age) does get lower rate DLA, we didn’t claim for a few years as we felt it wasn’t necessary and that it was a bit ‘wrong’ in some way. It now pays for additional tuition he needed, guitar lessons & also scouts, DofE, judo etc all the things that, hopefully, teach him some life skills because, as he got older, we discovered he certainly wouldn’t take any direction from us.

When he leaves home it will have to pay for his cleaner because he is an absolute hoarder who can’t even contemplate getting rid of a cardboard box from a nerf gun! We didn’t claim for carers allowance as I don’t feel there is any caring involved apart from usual parenting, although it is a little bit harder obviously. He will be reassessed every 3 years so it may be stopped if he is doing okay and doesn’t need any support.

It sounds as though DS could be eligible for DLA. Have a look at this Cerebra guide. I imagine you do more than you realise and you do things you don't realise count. You have nothing to lose by applying.

When is DS 16? When he turns 16 he, or you on his behalf if you apply to be his appointee, would apply for PIP instead.

Depending on your income, you can apply for carer's allowance for yourself if DS is awarded at least middle care DLA or standard rate daily living PIP.

A social care assessment via the disabled children's team also sounds as though it may be useful.

Totallyworthit when DS turns 16 he will transition to PIP regardless of whether the current award runs for longer. Unless you live in Scotland where young people already in receipt of DLA remain on DLA/Child Disability Payment until 18. You also can't apply for Carer's Allowance as your DS receives LRC.

Ds was diagnosed with ASD at 15 and I didn't think he would be entitled to DLA, so I didn't apply. I really regret that now, as I do think he would have been entitled. So definitely have a go at applying.

We have now applied for PIP, although it's taking an absolute age, as we phoned to start the claim in October last year and he is still waiting to be assessed in April this year. Not sure if that is because of Covid, and if DLA is impacted in the same way.