Can I claim DLA for autistic DD?

[THisbackwithavengeance]

DD aged 12 is autistic (diagnosed). She is in mainstream school although struggling. She masks well so you wouldn't necessarily know she was autistic if you met her.

A friend who has an autistic DC asked me if I was claiming DLA for her. I said no as she has no needs that warrant extra expense IMO. Friend said I should still claim and keep the money for DD.

Should I? DH and I both work full time. The money would be useful of course but DD's autism doesn't actually doesn't cost us anything so I don't want to bother if it would be a flat refusal.

But having thought about it, it would be nice to build up a savings account for DD as realistically she is unlikely to get any or very qualifications and this obviously will impact on her earning ability as an adult. Plus it might be nice for her to do something like riding and some other activities that we can't currently afford. However, DD can do everything for herself like getting dressed and getting herself to school etc and so I don't think she costs me more than she would if she were NT except for things like replacing her broken phone after a meltdown but surely I can't write stuff like that on a claim form?

I have no idea about any of this. If anyone has any sage advice, I would be grateful.

TH

DLA isn’t based on diagnosis or whether you have extra costs, but on needs.

In order to get a diagnosis you have to have persistent difficulties that limit and impair everyday functioning so DD will have needs in excess of typical peers the same age.

Support needed during and after meltdowns can be included as can what you do to try to prevent meltdowns.

Have a look at the Cerebra guide. There may be things you do that you don’t realise count e.g. things like prompting and reassurance.

Having said you should apply, I would caution against saving in DD’s name because it will limit/prevent her claiming means tested benefits and if she needs social care she may face charges.

You could definitely apply. It’s not just about it costing you more to get to appointments/losing out on hours at work, you can buy any sensory things she needs as she grows. Weighted blankets. Socks without seams. Clothes without labels. If a certain animal calms her, then costs of care for that pet - or if impractical as a pet, then visits to see one! All kinds of uses for the money, or just tucking it away for her future.

My DS is on the diagnosis pathway (not even diagnosed) and we applied for and received DLA. I felt horrendously guilty about it because although we’re not super well off, we don’t need it, but actually we do incur extra costs here and there and it balances that out. You should definitely apply!

Does anyone have experience of applying for the Scottish equivalent (Child Disability Payment)?

It seems even the lowest rate is only paid if the child "needs attention from someone, for a significant part of the day, in connection with their bodily functions due to a physical or mental disability".

This seems to contradict the experiences of DLA in England.

@dormouses there was another thread further down about the child disability payment. It’s people who’ve applied including myself. So probably best to try in there. I’ve seen what you mentioned and didn’t realise it said that.

Thank you I'll take a look. This is all new to me.

Sorry to reawaken this thread. My dd 16 has just been diagnosed.

Shes quite artistic, but won’t ask any teacher for any materials so we end up buying them all. She’s doing A level and it’s cost quite a lot already. Would this sort of thing be covered?

@ArseInTheCoOpWindow As DD is 16 it would be PIP. You can see the criteria for that here. You need 8 points from the daily living activities for standard and 12 for enhanced. The same for the mobility section.

Thank you for that.

She hits quite high on managing illness and communication. What happens if she sort of changes or becomes more confident as she gets older?

We haven’t had the report through yet. Is it best to wait for that?

PIP awards are reviewed periodically unless you get a light touch 10 year award, which sounds unlikely from what you have written. DD (or you if you were her appointee) would also be required to notify DWP of any changes.

You don’t necessarily need to wait for the report, you could send it on once you receive it. However, you will require evidence.

Scoring highly in the communicating verbally activity is harder than many initially realise.

She won’t talk to teachers:doctors etc. It makes it really difficult. How high would that score?

Its hierarchical communication she can’t handle. So it includes shops and things.

It is hard to comment on the limited information. It is possible to score points on that activity with autism/anxiety/SM, it is just harder than many think, partly because many mix it up with what is covered under Q9. There’s been lots of case law on that activity if you want to read up on it.