What now?

[Acciosanity]

DS was assessed this week and we received a diagnosis of Aspergers.

School say he'll have an IEP with little things on to help him, at the moment he's coping OK at school.

I just wondered what happens now? We've already accessed support groups before diagnosis and we've muddled through learning how to deal with his meltdowns at home.

I take it nothing else will happen? We have to wait for the report and diagnosis in writing. Is it now just a case of as we were? But with the knowledge we're not rubbish parents. There's nothing we can apply for is there?

Sorry for jumbledness of this, we're all at sea ATM.

You might be able to apply for DLA.

I think you've summed it up perfectly: Is it now just a case of as we were? But with the knowledge we're not rubbish parents. That's certainly been my experience after DS's diagnosis last November. The SALT said 'good luck', the paed suggested I read 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nigttime' and that was about it.

But you can apply for DLA, and it's definitely worth doing. I thought DS might get lower rate care if we were lucky, but he actually got middle rate care and lower rate mobility. Middle rate care means that you can also apply for Carer's Allowance.

DLA never even crossed my mind tbh.

I wasn't aware we could apply, I'm sure we wouldn't get anything.

DLA is assessed on whether a child needs more looking after than a child of the same age who doesn't have a disability. If you think your DS does, then it's worth applying.

I need to get around to applying for dla it just seems really complicated

Me too, Handywoman. I've never even got around to applying for dd1 (now 9, severe ASD, at an ABA school...).

I just can't manage the form. It's ridiculous.

And now, with dd2's dx as well, it even more ridiculous.

I know, Polter, I know

but I just can't do it. I've been halfway through several times (for dd1), but end up convincing myself that I'm not providing enough detail/care needs aren't enough (patently ridiculous given she needs 1:1 at all times, help with drssing, toileting, even needs prompting to drink fgs). And so it goes on.

I might manage it one day.

Thank you Poltergoose for a bit of hope there. Not wanting to put any of you off applying, but DS3 with HFA and anxiety didn't get any DLA when we applied 2 years ago. He didn't have the bit of paper with the diagnosis on it then (though of course his care needs were just the same), but I do think what Polter says is right - if you have a diagnosis that is 'official recognition' that your child's needs are significantly greater than other children of the same age. So not having a diagnosis isn't meant to prevent you getting DLA, BUT in my case it allowed the DWP to argue that DS has needs but they within in the 'normal' range of needs for a child of his age.

I am hoping to prove my point at our DLA tribunal next week - we kept going after our claim was rejected - it has just taken over a year to get an appeal date. And from what I understand if DLA is awarded it will be backdated to the date of our claim 2 years, 2 weeks ago....