Do you get DLA?

[TheTraumaClub]

Sorry, I've read the DLA threads and they are about wait times.
I'm an adoptive parent and my daughter has been through trauma. She has a speech disorder (diagnosed) and is on the waiting list to be assessed for autism/ADHD and dyspraxia. Has extra things in place in school and they share my concerns but no diagnosis and won't be one for ages.

My sister has suggested I apply for DLA but I'm not convinced? I know she has SEND. Life is a bit exhausting at the moment. It feels like one big slog. She can't get dressed alone, is anxious, can't concentrate, has meltdowns, is constantly needing to know what the plan is (I repeat multiple times). She is nearly 7. I just think I will fill this form in and be laughed at.

Do you get DLA when they aren't diagnosed? I'm feeling down today.

I agree with your sister you should apply. You don’t need a diagnosis for DLA, it is based on needs. Have a look at the Cerebra guide, as well as the things you know you do such as assisting DD to dress and reassurance I bet you do lots of things you don’t realise count that you have naturally adapted to.

Yes I was chatting to another parent today and realised how much extra we do for her. I will definitely fill it in, thank you.

Ds2 speech therapist suggested we apply for him. While waiting for a diagnosis. The worst thing they can say is no.

Ds2 finally got a diagnosis after 2years and 2 months of waiting for an assessment.

I think you should apply but you'll need some support to fill the form in. It's very difficult to quantify how much 'extra' you do, which is what it's based on at this age, especially if you don't have other DCs to compare it to. There used to be charities who would help you fill the form in?

My son is nearly three and he gets dla. He is non verbal, sensory issues and on the waiting list for an autism assessment (currently 30 month wait here). We were awarded in January and it was backdated to October when we requested the forms. I followed the Cerebra guide to filling in the forms which was really helpful. You definitely don't need a formal diagnosis, but send off any forms and letters you have from any professionals as evidence.