can you get dla for mental health and autistic traits?

[elliejjtiny]

Dc2 is 12, nearly 13. He had middle care dla from aged 5 months until 10 years and high mobility from 3 years and then it got turned down at renewal. We did mandatory reconsideration and then tribunal but we were turned down again. At the time he was diagnosed with ehlers danlos syndrome and sensory issues.

3 years later we are really struggling without the dla. It's not just about the money, it's about the things that come with it like queue jumping pass and a free carer on days out, various support groups/activities etc. Most mainstream activities won't let him attend without a carer and understandably he doesn't want me there when no other parents are staying. Some special needs activities he can go to but for others you need proof of dla or an autism diagnosis. Camhs have diagnosed him with autistic traits but say he can't have a proper assessment for autism. I'm trying to get him assessed somehow but going round in circles. He attempted suicide last month and nearly succeeded. It's just been a total nightmare with very little support and a lot of dead ends.

I thought now we might have a better chance of getting dla for him. I looked at the form and there are hardly any questions about mental health. I would have to leave most of the form blank as not applicable. Is there any chance of him getting dla or should I not bother? I don't think I can face the tribunal again.

It is possible. Have a look at the Cerebra guide, I bet you automatically do more than you think and do things you don't realise count.

For mobility does DS need someone with him outside so he doesn't become anxious and overwhelmed? Will he not go out alone? Does he needs encouraging, reassuring or supervising? Can he ask for and follow directions? Would he place himself at risk? Is he unpredictable?

For care are you needing to supervise DS to prevent him self harming? Do you spend time helping him regulate his emotions, control his anxiety and pick up the pieces after meltdowns? Encouraging to eat/drink/get up/dressed/washed? Are you providing reassurance &/or supervision at bedtime and in the night. Does DS have rigid routines? Does he struggle to communicate/selectively mute?

Add in how his EDS affects him too.

DD has just been awarded DLA for exactly this. Not sure on level yet, waiting paperwork through but text said has been granted.

Thankyou. When he attempted suicide it was so quick, he went from fine to taking the pills in less than 5 minutes. I have to constantly be aware of what he is doing as he goes from being fine to either a meltdown, crying, or shutting down completely in the space of a couple of minutes. He almost never tells anyone what the problem is either so I really struggle to help him.