Blue badge autistic child

[Userno36372846]

How easy it? Do you have one for your children? How easy is it? Should I get one?

Ds is 11, diagnosed at 5. Generally make the most of parent spaces but obviously he's getting older and his needs are getting progressively worse. Or we go our early before it gets busy.

When he's calm he has a good sense of danger but when he's not calm (which is quite often at the minute) he has no sense of danger, doesn't see any notice to his surroundings. He gets triggered by the sound of certain vehicles or beeping etc. He hates busy places and hates walking through car parks.

He has ocd too. So often he will just stop in the middle of the road or run back and have to cross the road again. This is getting worse over time.

Would it be a good idea? Worried I'll get judgment as he looks perfectly healthy!

If I had a blue badge I may not necessarily use it all the time just when things are difficult!

Any advice?

You have nothing to lose by applying. Who cares what others think, if you apply and DS is granted a BB then he is eligible.

We have one for our eldest. We don't use it most of the time, but it still makes a big difference on those odd occasions. He's got road sense when calm, but not when distressed. He'll also refuse to get in/out the car, or we'll need to leave somewhere in a hurry. There was more we put on the form. It felt odd applying and being successful but 6 months on, I'm so glad we have it.

Ds had one at age 4 which was straight forward, I did the application and sent his ehcp and a few letters with info regarding his diagnosis’ and challenges. We got it for the 3 years.

It had to be renewed last year (he was 8 in January) and I did the same as last time, sent application, sent ehcp and consultant / CAMHS letters off, this time they had slightly changed the rules to include a medical assessment for over 16’s and (in ds case) under 16’s they have a team meeting to discuss the application and then make a decision case by case.

Ds got it renewed again for a further 3 years with no problems.