So I was refused the + 1 symbol. This is what they said
Please make sure to read this email in full and respond as required as failing to may slow down our ability to process your application.
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, we cannot take the above mentioned documentation into consideration as it does not give enough understanding as to the functional impact of your impairment in relation to the access requirements requested.
If you do not have further documentation we can always supply you with our supplementary evidence forms that can be completed by your GP or other health professionals and returned to us fully completed with description, signed and stamped. Please let us know if you would require these documents.
To which I replied
Ok. Please send the form. I wouldn't be able to sit down with my GP, as he neither diagnosed any of my conditions, treats me for them or even sees me about them or anything else on a regular basis. He could confirm my diagnosis, but that is all he could do. He would have no knowledge of the functional impact of my conditions.
My rheumatologist could again confirm my diagnosis, but I've already don't that, but she again, given I see her maybe twice a year for a medication review, would not have any knowledge of the functional impact of my condition.
The OT report does detail my sensory provrssing difficultties, the condition, what causes it, what my reactions to certain stimuli will be and the impact if I am unable to regulate my self.
This is likely the strongest evidence I could provide, and the only specialist who could actually say with confidences 'if this happens. This will be the result' but you have said that is also not enough.
So, I must admit, I am very much at a loss as to what would actually satisfy this
we cannot take the above mentioned documentation into consideration as it does not give enough understanding as to the functional impact of your impairment in relation to the access requirements requested.
If an report from a senior sensory OT that says for example
"Has a fluctuation responsesiveness to tactile input (touch) this means that she may overreact to touch input which is out of her control and unpredictable, whilst other times seeks put certain tactile sensations to help her calp. Reacts emotionally or aggressively to touch, dislikes being touched"
And
"Has poor body awareness, will bump into things such as doorways and end up with bruises as a result'"
Isn't a suitable health care professional or does not gives enough understanding into the impact of my condition,
Or give enough understanding as to how this would translates into the need to have a companion with me
Or the report from the community psychiatrist which states among other things
"Concerns with ability to manage daily living activities due to poor mental health, limited social network. Struggles to leave the house, no family contact"
I really am going to need a lot more direction to what exactly you are looking for. Because at this point I do not have the slightest idea who I would take the form to, and what you need it to explain? And I'm sure who ever I took the form to, given the above cannot be used, I think they would need more direction aswell.
Interested to see their response