Blue badge for autistic children

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Anyone managed to get one? Do you find it useful?

ds is nearly 12, diagnosed aged 5.

he has high care needs, has an EHCP, in mainstream but needing a lot of support, he has sensory processing issues and problems with his motor skills. I have a recent OT report to evidence this.

he often lacks sense of danger and gets dysregulated easily.

any advice?

We applied and got a blue badge for DS3. I didn’t think he would be eligible but applied after a specialist nurse badgered me until I applied. It is helpful.

We already had one for DS1 (doesn’t have ASD, other complex needs) and DS3 benefited from that but obviously we didn’t use it when DS1 wasn’t there.

Thank you! I think I’m going to apply and see what happens!

Definitely worth applying, different authorities have different rules, so it is a bit of a lottery. Do you get DLA? If you do it can speed the process along a bit.
The application process is nothing like as intense as for DLA.
It is extremely useful in large multi story carparks as often able to park on lower floors so don't need to use the lift, or so many stairs, often right by the entrance to shops, so less opportunity for crisis and danger in the carpark. As well as the larger spaces so easier to get in and out of the car without damage if impulses are high.

We got a blue badge for DS when he was younger. It was straightforward and easy to apply for.

He was unable to cross roads safely, couldn't be relied upon to hold our hands, wasn't safe in car parks, would act spontaneously without thought of danger.

He's a teenager now, and has become a lot more aware and I feel he can now be trusted, so we've allowed the blue badge to lapse. We no longer need it. But I'd definitely recommend applying if you think you need it. It helped us a lot at the time.

DS2 is 11 and has had a blue badge for a little over 3 years. He is verbal and can walk, but extremely high behaviour needs. I found the process of reapplying recently more burdensome than the original application, but much easier than DLA.

I applied 8 times got knocked back each time. It wasn’t until we got the copy of the EHCP and I sent them the physiatrist report where she said he’s not safe to be left unattended ever and he needs 2-1 support at all times and he’s no sense of danger and does run off that they eventually gave me one but it was damn hard to get