Best way to spend DLA for ASD/ADHD

[SensationalSusie]

Hi all,

DC(6) has been award DLA (ASD/ADHD).
So far we have used it to pay for medical costs (a lot), books (to educate us), some sensory toys, drama classes to help with socialisation, private 1:1 swimming lessons and holiday schemes (struggles when school off).

We plan to continue with the classes/hol schemes and to put some money towards a trip to Legoland as DC is obsessed and we could all do with a break.

Would be grateful to hear of others experiences - what you spent the money on, what was most meaningful for your DC?

We want to make the most of the money for DC, any advice you could give would be great. Thank you.

DSs’ DLA just goes into the general household pot as we spend way more on their needs than we receive in DLA.

If you want to buy something specific you could look at more sensory equipment, other equipment/technology that will help DS. If you have a garden, does it need work to make it safer and more accessible or some toys/furniture/equipment?

@FloatingBean we are actually hoping to move to have a bigger garden for DC as the energy needs run off…

Glad you’ve confirmed garden as priority.

Our garden is essential for DSs to help them self regulate and also for activity/physio. As is the sensory equipment, gym equipment and indoor trampoline we have.

Over the past few years we have spent DLA on:

Respite support worker
Mini trampoline and loads of different sensory kit eg weighted blanket
Social Thinking books (pricey!)
Car hire when DC couldn't manage a train journey