Nearly finished my DLA form....Tips for the mental health section?

[woolytree]

Ive got to that point where I have run out of words and feel like a parrot! Reading on MN that some LAs dont see Autism as being mentally impaired.

Any more general tips are welcome too! :) Ive had great help from MN so far...and the cerebra guide.

Have a look at the NAS web site. Look for the advertising box on some pages of MN which pops up at the top of the page. NAS are very good.

I used that section to talk about DDs anxiety which is what prevents her from being with unfamiliar people, talking in public, accessing disruptive classrooms, etc.

Thanks for replies...cant type my brain is now mush...reading the DM Guide. :(

ASD could be described as a Learning disability.

When the ASD person has other related conditions such as OCD or claustrophobia or assorted other phobias, those conditions are treated by CAMHS. Additionally some of the physical conditions such as constipation or bed-wetting combine to give the person complex medical problems. can that be written on the form?

All I can say is say everything! Even if it''s only something that takes an extra couple of minutes a day, document it. It all adds up and the award is given based on the extra requirements the child needs per day and night. If you have to get up 5 times a night because of x y and z state it and what this entails. Similarly if a meal or play time takes longer, say exactly why this is. Good luck.

I have written everything...its exhausting. Ive tried to give as many examples as possible.

It is considered a learning disability, not being able to learn to follow simple instructions or complete simple tasks but also as her verbal/cognitive/sensory/obsessive/ritualistic issues all make her educational learning compromised.

DD has a lot of additional needs....all on the form. Just got two bits left I think and then work out the timing boxes....tomorrow Im hungry I forgot to have dinner.

Thatb all makes a safety issue as well. DD may do unsafe and dangerous things, so you have to be constantly alert.