DLA - their description of autism!?!?

[woolytree]

I thought DLA was based on care needs not dx?
How does DDs IQ have anything to do with her anxiety/self care needs..?
Since when is 'eccentric language' in AS the same as Semantic Pragmatic Disorder?
Whats 'further qualification' needed if dx is ASD?...a dx we may be stuck with.
Apparently a they need to see our SEN...'which school-age children should have'!
Is it ok to describe DSs with autism as 'children with Autism and mental retardation'?...or AIBU?

I am approaching my DLA form from the decision makers point of view so I read the DWP Disability Handbook, chapter 37 Autism and Aspergers. It doesnt mention sensory issues, anxiety/depression, meltdowns...it says 'tantrum', irrational fears or the ability to mask anxiety...like how DD appears ok at school but shows shes not at home. Its very vague, doesnt even mention the 'triad' properly. :( ...I think our application will have lots of extra information in.

www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/medical-conditions/the-disability-handbook/

someone read it and tell me if im just being touchy....I need a fresh pair of eyes!

I think you are being a tad touchy. The DH only gives a rough overview, a flavour, if you like.

Mental Retardation is becoming taboo because of the 'retard' offensive slur, but the pure medical term of mental retardation simply means (DSM-IV) "an IQ below 70, significant limitations in two or more areas of adaptive behavior (as measured by an adaptive behavior rating scale, i.e. communication, self-help skills, interpersonal skills, and more), and evidence that the limitations became apparent before the age of 18."

So not all children with ASD would meet the criteria for 'mental retardation', such as children with HFA/Aspergers, but a fair number of the classic Autism dx'd children would.

I did read a bit more about 'retardation'..another chapter.. tbh and agree Im over reacting there...

I just cannot believe this is the description given, if that was all I was given when we got verbal dx I'd be very upset/confused. I plan to send them a very specific and detailed report about DDs ASD. :)

...Im stll miffed they asume 'school age children should have' a statement... I wish!

Thanks for responses.

"Generally, the help they
need with bodily functions will be related to IQ."

Erm, what? I'm glad it used that qualifying word "generally" because DS1 does have a high IQ and is incontinent. I do hope assessors don't overlook that particular word.