DLA - looking for advice on if it's worth applying

[Lookslikerain]

My DS is nearly 4. He was dx with autism in March this year. We were advised at the time to make a claim for DLA, and I phoned the number and had the huge forms sent. I then spoke to someone we know who has professional experience of the system and they didn't think we stood any chance of getting anything. As I result, I didn't bother applying. The forms were huge and I couldn't be bothered filling them in for nothing.

We've recently had a review with DS's paed and she again said we should apply but I'm still not sure we'd get anything. I'm sure those forms are so huge and complicated to put you off!

DS's problems are around communication and social interaction with people he doesn't know. I realise that sounds like an obvious thing to say when talking about autism but what I mean is that he currently doesn't have any other problems.

• he sleeps through the night
• no sensory issues
• has a good sense of danger, doesn't need to be on reins etc
• responds to his name
• eats well, diet is not restrictive
• he doesn't need constant supervision
• he isn't violent and has no difficult/challenging behaviours

He does need a bit of extra support at nursery to stay on task when doing group activities. And he is still in nappies, though he's slowly starting to get there with the toilet. But I guess it feels like, for now, he isn't any more difficult to look after than a NT child would be.

Can any of you give me a steer to whether its worth applying? Many thanks.

I think that's the other reason I don't want to do it. We've spent the last 18 months going over all the details of what he can't do with the "professionals" and it is so depressing. I came away from every meeting feeling so down and I know the DLA form will be like that too.

Going off at a tangent, but we had a lovely, positive meeting with his nursery and the EP last week. It felt so hopeful, talking about what they can do to help him rather than all the stuff he can't do. The nursery HT asked me what his positives were, and I nearly cried. No one has ever asked that!

I would certainly be applying for DLA in your particular circumstances because if you do not ask you do not get. Use Cerebra's guide as PolterGoose has detailed to help you.

BTW never listen to any naysayers because they are only acting in their interests and not yours. That person to my mind did you all a big disservice. YOU are your child's best - and only - advocate.

I would also look at applying for a Statement of special needs with regards to his educational needs, these need to be protected. Have a look at IPSEA's website www.ipsea.org.uk

We've just been granted middle band DLA for DS who's 3 and got recent ASD and verbal dyspraxia diagnoses. He sounds kind of similar to your DS. we're putting money towards private speech therapy. HV was v encouraging and offered to help us do the forms, do you have a specialist HV where you live?

Ahhh yes, they have a lady who will come and help fill it out with you. We've done a lot of private speech therapy too (arent doing any right now), and it would be lovely to recoup some of that money. Nhs salt only gave us 4 sessions which we haven't even had yet.

Attila he was well-meaning I think but, yes, I think he may have done us a disservice.

Polter thanks, that's great advice on filling it out. I will phone again today and get them to send me another form.

Thanks all!

Yes apply. It's something you might need in the future for him. Mine has paid for speech therapy as my son does not meet criteria for nhs salt ( ie he has no statement - yet!). It will also pay for private ot as the nhs only provide two sessions. It is also a lovely big stick to hit people with as my son "looks" normal and can pass for a shy child. When no one listens I pull out my last big gun "so if he is normal why does he get dla?!" I have no one who can argue that point.

You can do a interactive PDF and save it as you go and take longer. Yes it is very very hard writing down what ds can no do. This is going to be a skill you need to aquire as his mum. Your ds is lovely, perfect and a joy. He should be able to do well in life. You know that but the "system" does not need to hear this. They need to know his needs

Hey did you know thwt if your DS is approved for the DLA you might be able to get your payment backdated to when you phoned up before? Might be worth checking this...