Have you applied to the family fund and what did you request?

[Timepasses]

I applied for and very gratefully received an iPad for ds (Asd) a couple of years ago. It had taught him
So much. What have you applied for?

I applied for a washing machine when mine broke. But it took them so long to process the application that my mum ended up lending me the money to get one!

Thinking of applying for some money towards a holiday for DS but i feel a bit like i don't deserve it compared to kids with severe disabilities.

oh, they were a godsend to us! We had new beds twice. The kids were just so rough on their beds. We had a new washing machine. And some money towards a holiday twice. And they also paid for secure fencing so that the children could be safe in the garden.

This was several different years, obviously.

Thankfully now things are improved for us financially and we don't fall into their qualifying income but I will always be grateful to them and I donate to them now.

Fairgame- me too. DS enjoys music so might look into some music therapy. I just want to make the right decision so he gets the most benefit.

Oh i didn't know they did beds. DS has broken a slat on his during a meltdown and now it dips at one end. He has also chewed the wood along the side.

I can't apply yet though because i don't have any professionals to put on the form to back me up. DS is starting a new school this week and he doesn't have input from anyone else after OT's decided to discharge him for the sake of it

Yes, the first time was a cash award and the second was a few years later when they did more voucher stuff, it was a payment card to argos (afair) we were given, like a gift card thing.

Sorry that OT discharged your son. I hope it gets sorted out soon.

It's ok. They discharged him because he had exhausted everything the NHS could do for him (i.e not a lot!).
He starts at an indie ss on wednesday who thankfully have their own OT so he will get the therapy he needs.

How do you find out what help is available?

I didn't realise I could apply for dla until a year after diagnosis and we were were struggling!

usually someone who's already struggled through it tells you.

There sure as shit isn't a bloody newsletter or anything put through your door when you get a dx I think deliberately. Yes it is available, but if we turn off all the lights and get under our desks, maybe they'll think there's nothing here and go away.

You have to find out from someone who finds out from someone...

I found out from a fellow mum on a forum.

I found out from other parents, ASD support group, school and other professionals.
It was school who told me to apply for DLA and other parents who told me about family fund.
The local support group in my area is great. Even if you don't want to access the activities they have links for loads of other charities, support etc.
Our local council also have the Aiming High for disabled children service as well which put on free or cheap activities in the holidays. They also have links with all the local support groups and charities.

I think services vary depending on where you live but there will be something you can access.

A few years ago we were kindly given money towards a holiday and this year my ds got an iPad to help with his communication (he's no verbal).
They have been a godsend for us.

fairgame - do you need professionals to put on the form? the fact he is in an indie special school should be enough - my elder son has no professionals involved now - you must have a statement?? I would apply - they do a home visit so would come out to meet and have a chat with you. I applied last year for the first time - younger son was awarded a laptop which has been a godsend for him - just applied again this year and this time elder son has been awarded a laptop to help with his school work etc

vital it really feels like that! I am constantly surprised that 'experts' know so little!

bjkmummy thanks for that i'll give it a try and leave the professionals bit blank. By the time they get round to seeing me his school will have got to know him anyway so it will probably work out ok.
I thought you had to put a professional on in case they don't believe you but i have got evidence as he's had a few assessments in the past year and his statement has been updated so i can show them.

when they came to visit they asked to see reports and I had the statements so looked at them and they seemed happy with that - my elder son hasn't seen anyone in years albeit he is in a special school

We put in an application every year. Have just been awarded the new Xbox console plus vouchers for games. Other years we've had an ipad, laptop, ps3, money for days out, bedding for DS and itunes vouchers. All things that benefit DS and I would ordinarily be able to afford it if I was able to work instead of being a carer for him, so I don't see why he should go without. I can't remember what professional I listed on the application form (they only ask you the first year you apply) but he was going through diagnosis then so was getting a lot of assessments. These days he doesn't have professionals involved except at school either.

I think I found out through an online ASD forum and have seen it on other advice websites as well.