If you thought that getting a Statement or doing DLA forms were fun...

[MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday]

Just wait til your disabled child turns 16 :(

God almighty..it's a whole new level of shite to deal with:(

DS2 just turned 16, and as his special school only goes to 16 he will be going to a SN course at the local FE college. As such (and this is worth knowing) he is entitled to claim ESA..employment support allowance, even tho he is in full time ed. Great. BUT ..oh new hoops to jomp through, more forms to fill. And make sure you are made your child's DLA appointee when he turns 16 too or no one will talk to you....

They expect my ASD, mod/severe LD son to attend a 'work capablility assessment' once I have filled in the (long and random questioned) forms.
'Can you set an alarm clock?' (um no.. can you>?) 'Can you lift an arm up?' (yeah but what job will that fit me for?) The experience is run by ATOS ..known colloquially as Atossers..and for good reason.

It is so.much.fun. NOT.

I am giving up form filling tonight and off to bang my disability weary head against a brick wall then numbing the pain with wine....

Enjoy the early years

[fingers in ears]

Lalalalalalalalaaaaanotlistening

DS1 has been able to set an alarm clock since he was tiny. For some random time in the early wee hours, usually. Whether, at the age of 16 (which will be this decade, eep) he could reliably and willingly (not that the ATOS forms take much notice of impulsive and oppositional behaviours if the police haven't been involved) set an alarm clock for a suitable time, every day, would be another matter.

That's the best (not) bit about this form.. it doesn't give you the option of 'depends'.... which let's face it for a child with ASD means you are pretty much screwed

Oh god medusa that sounds very grim, my eldest DS turns 15 end of year and the battling is making me grey and wrinkly now. Enjoy the you deserve it