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Original poster

dla form; quite surprised at some of the examples they consider indicative of extra help

26 replies

notactuallyme · 06/04/2012 17:52

I think we have just got used to how it is; its only reading it that I realise that ds needs more help (that we just do without thinking) than other kids his age. Anyone else realised the same?

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keepingupwiththejoneses · 06/04/2012 17:56

I know what you mean. To me having to dress ds and take him to the toilet are just normal, only when I really thing about it do I realise that him having a sippy cup and not going to the toilet as a matter of course isn't right for his age.

Original poster
notactuallyme · 06/04/2012 18:01

That's right - you just raise your child and do what you recognise they need. Its just how life is - the form was quite surprising.

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Ben10NeverAgain · 06/04/2012 18:30

Me too. I forget about it as we just get on with it. Then things like trying to get him to use a knife and fork for pie and mash last night rather than fingers show me his difficulties starkly.

survivingspring · 06/04/2012 20:15

Yes - that's why I hate doing the forms. It makes me feel depressed for ages afterwards as I realise that dd does need more help than I realised. Our big one is the toileting too - most 5 yr olds don't fall down the toilet on a regular basis do they?!

SallyBear · 06/04/2012 21:37

No they don't spring! John Lewis do a brilliant double loo seat. Really helpful. loo seat

slacklucy · 06/04/2012 22:34

putting in black & white " i take ds2 in to the class & hand him over to his ta"

Original poster
notactuallyme · 07/04/2012 10:36

i'm going to fill it out with dh tonight. i have sat on it for ages, and the deadline is next week. it's kind of a weird feeling tho - trying to get ast the receiving money for ds' difficulties. if we get it, i am going to put it in a separate account for him, and use it purely for the stuff we need, even down to pencil grips!

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Original poster
notactuallyme · 07/04/2012 10:36

'past not 'ast'

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SallyBear · 07/04/2012 12:05

I'm not sure if you've used it yet, or if it's been mentioned, but Cerebra do a DLA form filling guide. Couldn't have got my DS's award increased without it! It helps you use the appropriate language to answer questions. Well worthwhile tool. here

Original poster
notactuallyme · 07/04/2012 12:35

Thank you - just dug out all the reports. Wd it be weird to tick the do not contact box? Just don't want to share my financial stuff with them all?

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SallyBear · 07/04/2012 12:58

It's to let them speak to you regarding your answers to the questions.

Original poster
notactuallyme · 07/04/2012 13:15

The professionals? In case I need more support? Or for the dla to check I'm not lying on the form? Don't really want to do it wrong, but also don't really want to share the need to apply with everyone.

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SallyBear · 07/04/2012 13:24

We were rung by the DLA to clarify sone thing that I had put that clashed with a professionals report. The report was dated in August and my form was completed in December. They wanted clarification. I had a long chat about 40 mins with the DLA decision maker.

IMO you want to be transparent, as you are doing this for genuine reasons.

Anyway, read the Cerebra Guide. It's very helpful.

Original poster
notactuallyme · 07/04/2012 16:34

Oh okay, that makes sense. I have three reports from different professionals so should be quite clear he has a range of difficulties. I will look at the link tonight, when no kids around. Also need to photocopy form and reports.

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sneezecakesmum · 07/04/2012 20:54

It also brings it into horribly sharp focus when they award HRC and HR Mobility on the first attempt [busad]

saladsandwich · 07/04/2012 21:41

sorry to gate crash just didnt want to start another DLA thread... im unsure whether to put a claim in for DLA, should i ask the proffessionals who see ds and ask them first? or should i just go ahead and put a form in?

SallyBear · 07/04/2012 21:49

Do you have a dx at all? What difficulties do you have? If you read the cerebra DLA guide it will give you an insight as to whether or not your child would be eligible for DLA. If you have to do more for them than a NT child, or they struggle with care needs and/or mobility then you should contact the DLA. You can do it online, but I think that it needs to be completed on paper as you can do it justice that way.

Original poster
notactuallyme · 08/04/2012 09:24

Yes I did contact the dla to ask, we do have a dx and although it is invisible, he does need additional care or support - I do things like check he hasn't fallen alseep with anything in his mouth as he chews a lot. I just don't really want to be thought of as ddoing it for the money iyswim? Altho it would help with stuff.

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Original poster
notactuallyme · 08/04/2012 09:25

sneeze - wow. That must hurt a bit. salad I would get the form and read it thro tbh.

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SallyBear · 08/04/2012 09:35

Exactly that! To help with stuff. We bought a trampoline on Friday using the money from DS's award. It will help with his balance and stability, besides it's good exercise and will wear him out too!Smile

Original poster
notactuallyme · 08/04/2012 10:57

Yes - ds needs to learn to swim but we spent years in group lessons and he couldn't follow instructrions or balance properly. One to one would bee more useful, or a babysitter so I could try to teach him. I shall think about what he can't do and what might help. (Hank you btw I glad the trampoline worked!)

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saladsandwich · 08/04/2012 11:13

ds is behind but because we don't have a diagnosis i just don't want to feel like i'm trying to get money for him... i looked at at the cerebra guidelines and i think he could get it but its the people involved with ds, hes got 3 paediatricians, 2 health visitors, SALT, nursery and dietician and none of them are saying the same thing

Ben10NeverAgain · 08/04/2012 11:31

No harm in applying Salad. You aren't getting it at the moment so it is a bonus if you do, right? If he is having that much intervention then he clearly has needs that are more than a child of his age. Do use the Cerebra guide as it is so good with helping in making sure you get the right award.

saladsandwich · 08/04/2012 20:35

thanks, keep saying i will apply to pay for SALT because his SALT is being axed due to cut backs, they are no longer helping children under school age where i live :(

Pumpster · 08/04/2012 21:36

We ended up getting hr care and lr mob for dd, I didn't expect that despite all the help she needs. I think we just get used to doing it!