Evidence when renewing DLA

[Staryeyed]

DS1 DLA renewal is due soon. Im worrying that We wont have any evidence for his claim. he has a diagnosis of ASD and he goes to a special school. He hasnt seen a doctor or a pead abput his issues for over a year. I spoke to the school nurse about his nappy service renewal. We saw Cahms at the beginning of the year about eating sleeping and PICA they werent at all helpful so we told them we were coping so we could stop using there service. We also saw the psychiatrist attached to the service, Who wanted to put DS on drugs which was completely unnecessary and was quite pushy about it. Also he did not call me back for months after chasing him for blood test results. I would rather he wasn't involved. So how do I supply medical evidence?

I had the same problem with ds1's renewal.

In the end I sent a copy of the original diagnosis letter, his IEPs, and put as many day-to-day examples as I could think of in the main form. It was renewed for a further 5 years.

In your position I think I would put in as much evidence as possible from his school and any paperwork you have from the diagnosis.

Don't forget a copy of his statement. Sounds obvious but the mere fact a kid has a ta OR IS at a special school shows they need more help than is usual for his age.

Thanks will definitely put those in but dont they need medical evidence- Im sure I was told that last time.

What's your doctor like. Could you get them to do a letter. Also I think that I enclosed his original diagnosis like Coppertop and kept repeating that ASD is a lifelong condition. Our social worker at the time, advised us to think of the differences between an NT boy of his age and our DS. She also said to give examples from his worst days.

Hope it all goes well for you.

We usually send statement copies and school reports as these show that they have needs above a NT child. Don't really send anything medical except original paperwork.

We didn't put the medical info in after the initial application as nothing had changed. This time we did as she had had some changes. The DLA were happy with just the school report - also a special school - as I think it is quite comprehensive. Sometimes they write direct to gp/ortho/whoever - that is what I did this time, just gave them the names and addresses.

Having said that, ensure the school does complete it. Our DLA and CA has been stopped because the school didn't complete the report on time!!! And obviously with the Christmas closure nothing will be happening for a few weeks yet!

I will put the statement and reports in for this year and the report from cahms. I hope they dont write to the school as I wouldnt trust that the teacher would reply.

Doctor is fine but she never sees him so i dont know what she wuld be able to say.

I've just had DS's dla renewed, I put in his annual SEN review (school gave me a copy) this had various recent reports in from teacher, head, ed psych, ESPD (educations service for physical development), SALT, and special school ASD outreach worker who comes in (mine is in mainstream). Also his latest IEP showing very basic goals for a 7yr old compared to his peers.

I also sent in his original DX letter.

I put as the header on every typed page that autism is a lifelong condition etc etc.

I did lots of comparisons of his stage development in relation to peers, and put in recent examples of dangerous behaviour or very young behaviour.

I gave contact details for GP and school head (who is also SEN person) but as far as I know they haven't contacted them.

I'm in the same position, just about to start completing it. I am just used to him now so it is hard to dissect what is different from a normal life. I plan on describing how much supervision he needs that a normal 11 year old does not need. this is to prevent him damaging others (includeding his brothers), harming himself, causing dangerous situations etc. He cannot go to the park alone (all his friends do) has to be supported at clubs (all his friends go alone), and parties (ditto). For me it is all about the difference support required for him over and above a 'normal' child. He has level 5 statement so has someone with him full time at school, it is the same at home. He is just about to move to High School so stress and anxiety going to be sky high and things will get worse. Will include original diagnosis, statement, annual SEN review and annual medical review. I think things have got worse, not better. Not because he is per se worse, but because he should be gaining independence now and he can't. Plus he is very aggressive towards his middle brother so I have to man mark him at all times around him.
Good luck!!