Is DS likely to get DLA?

[KoreyBay18]

I know in theory he should, but reading through some old posts on here I'm feeling disheartened about even sending the forms in.

Is has just turned 5yo. He has no formal diagnosis other than a speech disorder but he has suspected dyspraxia, sensory processing disorder, behavioural problems (suspected autism/oppositional defiance).

He is on a reduced timetable at school because of hitting and biting teachers and general inability to cope. Currently awaiting a decision as to whether he will be assessed for an EHCP. He is not dry at night and I need to either wake him to take him to the toilet or change his sheets because of an accident 3 or 4 times a night (he has pull ups but tears them off). Takes about 2 hours to settle to sleep every night. I have to check one he is asleep that he has an appropriate chew toy and hasn't put anything that causes a choking risk in his mouth.

He still has accidents during the day and needs consistent prompting to go to the toilet, help with changing when wet. Needs help with buttons and zips (and his school uniform is mandatory button shirts rather than polo shirts). Cannot wait his own bum. Cannot use a knife to cut his dinner. Cannot put his shoes on himself. Will poo on the floor.

Runs into roads, runs off and hides between cars on busy roads. Has to be carried if anywhere near a road (he is the size of an 8yo). Cannot sit still. Climbs on furniture and jumps off. Constantly tripping over his own feet. Gers aggressive with adults he knows (biting, hitting, kicking when having a meltdown) but overly familiar and affectionate with strangers (he is adopted and I strongly suspect has an attachment disorder).

Filling in the form has me in tears because he is actually such a delightful child and this makes him sound horrific. I also feel like we are coping day to day, I am able to help him manage his emotions well, but I hadn't realised until now how much extra effort it really does take.

I also worry that because he has no diagnosis or medication and is still so young they will say this is just normal for his age. His SENCO is writing a supporting statement but still. Is it likely to be awarded and, in your experience, at which rate?

I used the cerebra guide to help fill out the forms and it was straight forward and ds was awarded middle rate

cerebra.org.uk/download/disability-living-allowance-dla-guide/

Hi, this sounds like my son at age 4/5. My son is also adopted. Are you over on the Adoption boards as you can also post and get support there.
We had to go back to my son's records and finally he was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Due to your sons previously looked after status, there may be other risk factors to consider such al Alcohol and drug exposure pre natally.
DLA is awarded not on diagnosis, but how much additional care your son needs compared to his peers. As mentioned, the Cerebra guide is excellent. You should definitely apply.

Your DS sounds like he should get height rate care. Your comparison should the things that the average DC of his age could do, and what you have to do over and above that.

My DC has just been awarded high rate care for similar support needs, particularly during the night (she is likely to wake up in next half hour having gone to be at 8pm!).

With mobility it sounds like he should also get high rate, but again, based on similar, I didn't and am currently drafting a letter for mandatory reconsideration.

Definitely apply though OP, it will help you access so much support for your DS. My DD's SALT is £90 every 2 weeks, and 6 weeks swimming is £210 as she can only take part in one-to-one, rather than group lessons. Trampolining to support her sensory needs are £60 per month.

*high rate care

This doesn’t answer your question, and applies to about 1% of your post - but M&S do ‘easy dress’ school button down shirts that get round the button thing: www.marksandspencer.com/l/kids/easy-dressing/fs5/boys

@orinocosfavoritecake amazing, actually life changing stuff! Thank you!

My 7 year-old is similar to your little boy and he gets high rate care and low rate mobility.

Thanks @elliejjtiny

I'm currently typing up the extra information to include, got about 2000 words so far and it feels like I'm writing an essay on how difficult he finds every day life and it is soul destroying! I have a number of reports and assessments to include too, but am thinking of providing some info on attachment disorders.

I got great support to fill the form through my son's school liaison person.

In the form whenever they mention any mobility issues (how many meters can the applicant walk etc) I was advised to cross out the answers provided and just write 'applicant consistently and unpredictable refuses to walk'.

The other was to add as much info as possible. I ended up typing a dissertation! I filled in the boxes and then added extra notes for most questions.
The idea (and it is demoralising) is to describe the worst possible day your child can have, as well as stuff you do for him that you wouldn't need to even think of with an NT child.
Don't be worried about repetition.

If you have any school reports/childminder etc send the most negative. Sometimes teachers try to be positive and focus on the child's achievements- it's actually counter productive in this situation. I was told to cherry pick the worst ones!

I ended up with high care low mobility and eventually got a blue badge too.