Motability

[Neurodiverseuniverseof5]

I am a mum of 3 neurodivergent kids two ASD and one ADHD
both boys have low mobility needs however…
my DS2 now 13 had an RTA when he was seven and has suffered with anxiety about roads ever since however has very little road awareness which makes travel stressful.
My eldest DS 16 won’t travel with family as car we have doesn’t allow him to be separate from family so have to arrange separate transport for him- train/ bus etc. he is quite high functioning but will not tolerate people on his space or being cramped etc
my DD who is 10 is hyperactive and can’t sit still easily so again invades space of boys.
I cannot afford a big car.
I went on motability claim website but it says kids need high mobility on their DLA which they don’t have. How do I make a case. Their socialising, days out, holidays etc are all affected and it took us 9 hrs to travel to our UK ‘break’ which is taking huge toll on me and DH.

There’s no way round needing HRM DLA, the enhanced mobility component of PIP or one of the other qualifying benefits for the motability scheme.

If you think DD or DS2 qualify for HRM DLA, you can request a change of circumstances. There are a few ways of qualifying for HRM DLA. The 2 ways that are relevant for DC with ASD/ADHD are severe mental impairment and virtually unable to walk. You can see the SMI and VUW criteria flowcharts in this document. To be eligible you need to prove every part of criteria. Also look at Contact’s leaflet and Contact’s website.

If DS1’s PIP decision has been made and you think DS1 meets the criteria for enhanced mobility component of PIP but he hasn’t been awarded it, you could request a mandatory reconsideration (even if the 1 month deadline is up you can still submit one late if you have good reason for being late) or request a change of circumstances.

i see. It’s not about mobility really then it’s about ASD and inability to tolerate sharing confined apace

Mobility is about more than the physical ability to walk. For example, with PIP, you can get enhanced mobility if you can’t follow the route of a familiar journey without another person, an assistance dog or an orientation aid.

If DS1 can cope with public transport, can he cope with sitting in the front passenger seat of the car? And either you or DH sitting in the back between your other 2 DC.

Hi flawless no DS2 can only cope with space so DD sits on one side and him on the other and space between them. He cannot tolerate tolerate being squished next to another person. Basically need a seven seater but can’t afford it so sending DS1 on bus and train