no diagnosis, no statement

[stressmummy]

Don't know if anyone can help but we have a 6yr old daughter who has been under assessment for the past 2 years in a special educational unit. The only diagnosis we have so far is that she has "severe (bottom 1%) idiopathic learning difficulties". She is physically well and fit. We are starting to look at long term and the help she will need both financially and practically. Is there any benefits, credits, concessions that we can get to help this ?

Have you applied for Disability Living Allowance? if your daughter needs more care that another child of her age you are entitled to DLA care and if moving around is more difficult you could get mobility for her too. If she gets awarded middle rate care and you care for her and earn less than £100 a week you could get carer's allowance too.

Thanks for your help. No we have not applied for Disability Living Allowance we were under the impression we needed a definite diagnosis rather than this "wooly" "idiopathic learning difficulties". she desn't have any mobility difficulties other than being a little clumsy maybe.

You don't need a diagnosis for DLA.

or for a statement

thanks, do I need a statement for DLA ?

Thanks everyone, anything else you can advise is extreemly welcome. Its seems to be a minefield to get what our girl needs and what is best for her

wot northern sky said. Ask the LEA if there is anyone who can help you to fill put the DLA form - I know our LEA have someone.

fill out

Look at Contact a Family website they have info leaflets for the various entitlements.

If you get DLA at middle or high rate you can claim carers allowance if one of you earn less than £100 a week after deductions (tax, NI, childcare)

You should also be entitled to short breaks / direct payments / support from social services - you need an assessment as a carer and for your child from the Disabled Childrens Team.

They are also charities which may give grants eg family fund, cerebra, caudwell for equipment etc

The (last) government did some info packs called Early Support - not sure what will become of this scheme now but one was specifically on children who did not have a diagnosis - you should be able to download it. Can be useful if you are ever fobbed off by being told you need a diagnosis

Web sites are brilliant ! Yahoo, I feel I may be beginning to understand some of the procedures

if you get DLA does your employer have to give more consideration to allowing you to work flexible/part-time hours?

would love to think so wouldn't you ? however the best we have ever been offered it to be allowed to take annual leave to attend hospital appointments or swap shifts where possible .