DLA New Claim - Quick Questions

[PoopyFingers]

How long does a new claim take to be processed? (ASD)

Are you automatically refused these days, or at best automatically awarded the lowest rate they can get away with?

Does everyone need to apply for reconsideration / appeal - and which of these is most effective? Do you automatically go for a reconsideration before an appeal?

it took the dwp about 5 weeks to process our claim. DD is 3.8, severe speech and language delay and loads of autistic traits but no dx (we will have the ados next month). i used the cerebra guide, wrote more than 20 pages myself and sent in tons of reports (salt, paed, nursery) all of which are highlighting DD's complex and severe problems. she needs help with every aspect of her life.

well, you might have guessed it - we got a big fat refusal and we are going down the reconsideration route atm. it seems a lot of people are turened down atm, esp without dx.

good luck!

mine too 5 weeks ive just renewd and got low rate mobility +middle rate care

Have you done your forms yet?

If you havent, try using the Cerebra guide. Its what I have used both times. Put as much information as possible and send any back up infor you can - paed reports SALT reports etc.

We got MRC when we first applied for DS, we are waiting for them to process his renewal which was sent in on the 26/10. I dont think people are automatically refused, but they are getting tougher.

ilovesprouts was your claim renewed at the same levels as before?

Just filling in my renewal form now.

Ds was awarded MRC and LRM once he'd turned 5 (awarded at age 4). They gave a slight hint on the award letter , but certainly not what I was expecting!

He got MRC because of toileting issues- ds is toilet trained, but very 'finnicky' about poo, and I have to supervise that otherwise he will try and wipe it on surfaces etc. To be honest that doesn't feel like such a major part of our lives,I was surprised he got it for that rather than some of the other things!

Ds' paed was very very supportive though, I think whatever she wrote heloed immensely, and his dx happened as dla was being assessed.

Oh, and I used the cerebra guide too.

Also, was advised to use lots of examples of visiting friends and showing difference in care required by ds and other children. Also, I was able to compare ds to a younger sibling who requires muc less supervision/guidance.

5 weeks for us HRC and LRM for dyspraxia, SPD and poss ASD. Our 18 page OT assessment helped though as we hadn't seen the paed by then. I used the cerebra pack and asked for help here with the wording which was invaluable as well!

We had ADOS results a week or 2 ago - dx of ASD (as opposed to just being on spectrum - I had a peek at the score sheet).

I took 12 hours to fill in the form, using the Cerebra guide and have included every issue hopefully (thanks to all those on MN who have advised this!!!).

I haven't put in any reports from paed or SALT, but I have given permission for them to be contacted, along with his preschool home visitor. Was this a mistake?

I typed out the form, PDF version, so got heaps of stuff on the form, but did not have extra pages.

He does have some bowel problems, continence issues at night (put in checked 3 times nightly, 7 nights per week as per Cerebra guidance).

He can regularly take up to 3 hours to get dressed in the morning too nightmare and has to be driven to school as we rarely get there before 10am.

He has routines re crossing road in certain places, which mean it takes him bloody- hours ages to get to nursery, and has even thrown himself into a busy road during a meltdown (thankfully no cars at that point...).

Otherwise he's a quiet wee boy, avoidant of others, can't follow instructions, can't join in. And is the most lovable little pet I could wish for

We heard fairly quickly about 7-8 weeks I think, that DS would get DLA for AS. Used cerebra and lots of supporting evidence.

I think i was very lucky when i sent my form in because i didnt really know what i was doing,i sent no reports or extra pages and we had no dx.Awarded HRC and LRM first time and only took about 5 weeks.
However we have a renewal comeing up and i dont think i will be so silly this time as im sure they are being more carefull with there awards,by the time ive finished with all the reports in this application the postman might have to fill his own aplication in

Was I wrong not to include reports from professionals?

SALT advised me that I can claim DLA, and paed said at ADOS results that DS1 has "significant difficulty" in all areas of the triad of impairment

We do have a definite (and not in the least bit vague) dx tho - I realise you don't have to have a dx to be successful in the claim, but I would expect that it does help - but of course is far from being a guarantee.

I didnt with my first application and ds was awarded MRC.

I think you can send stuff in later, as long as you put your DS's reference number on it. Give the Disability Benefits helpline a call in the morning and they will tell you if you are able to do that.

I think with DLA forms, its always better to have more info than less.

Yes, I think I'll give the DLA helpline thingy a ring tomorrow to ask them what's what.

Thanks for all your replies everyone - MN is just sooooooooooooo helpful!

No, I don't think you were wrong not to send reports in "poopy". I never have done, DS is 13 and awarded since he was old enough (is it 3 months?). THe DLA people usually contact school (if child is of age) and probably the person you have named. Although DS has PD as well as learning difficulties so perhaps a bit more clear cut iyswim.

If you get refused you can use the extra reports as part of your appeal, as it is always handy to provide them with something new.

I've given permission, and contact details, to contact his dev paed (SALT etc are all connected with this, as it was a group assessment clinic) and also his preschool home visitor.

Also included the optional statement from his playgroup manager last year.

...and have compared his needs to "another child of the same age" and also DS2 who is 2.8 and finds it easier to follow instructions and perform basic tasks without being nagged endlessly as much supervision.

whowhowhowhonot much change from last time had to write to school/doc at cdu and got lrb and i get mrc