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DLA and evidence

6 replies

Sunnydays41 · 27/10/2023 14:56

Hi, my DD7 has been referred for ASD and ADHD assessments. Over the summer she had an initial ASD appointment with a community paediatrician who recommended further assessment for ASD (and that the school refer for ADHD).

She has particularly life-affecting sensory aversions to clothing and bedcovers/sheets (getting dressed in the morning can often take half an hour to an hour and settling in bed anywhere between half an hour and two hours, interspersed with meltdowns.)

Have arranged a private OT assessment and after reading these boards, have realised that she might be eligible for DLA, to help pay for things like this.

However, the only evidence I have so far is the report from the initial paediatrician appointment. This is mainly just a summary of what I said in the appointment, though obviously includes the recommendations for further assessment/referral.

What I am concerned about is whilst most of it supports what I say in the DLA application (particularly with regards to her sensory difficulties), there may be a couple of contradictions...

For example, where after being questioned for 45 minutes, my mind has gone completely blank and I can't think of a full answer - for example when asked about obsessions, I said I couldn't think of any, thinking she meant more stereotypical obsessions/hobbies, whereas DD is completely obsessed with babies, so much so that it leads to completely inappropriate behaviour around those we know and even strangers' babies).

Also when asking about dressing, the report says she is able to get dressed and undressed, which is strictly true, however, due to need for routine/sensory issues, I have to get her dressed every single day (frequently numerous times when she gets distressed about her clothing and immediately removes items!).

So will they look at the report in this much detail/consider these contradictions?

OP posts:
YellowRosesWithRedTips · 27/10/2023 15:30

Unfortunately, DWP may questions the contradictions. Do you have other evidence so you can leave that report out?

As an aside, does DD have an EHCP? Sensory integration OT can be included in there so it is funded.

Sunnydays41 · 27/10/2023 16:14

YellowRosesWithRedTips · 27/10/2023 15:30

Unfortunately, DWP may questions the contradictions. Do you have other evidence so you can leave that report out?

As an aside, does DD have an EHCP? Sensory integration OT can be included in there so it is funded.

Unfortunately not... Still at a very early stage of everything and she masks quite a lot at school (though she has been school-refusing on average 1-3 times a week since the beginning of term and various staff have witnessed this behaviour in the school office, including a couple of epic meltdowns).

I am however going into huge amounts of detail, with specific examples relating to most questions, including a 700-word breakdown of what 'settling her to sleep' involves... It's probably taken me six hours in total so far and I'm still not finished!

She has the OT assessment (involving an online meeting with myself and in-person assessment in school) in a couple of weeks; I guess I will be able to send that report in?

No EHCP...

Do you think it's better to leave the initial paediatrician report out? Tbh, it's not particularly well-written... The paediatrician seemed pretty good, but English is obviously not her first language so there's many mistakes in it. I think the getting dressed part was possibly written in relation to fine motor skills...

OP posts:
YellowRosesWithRedTips · 27/10/2023 16:38

You can make a SAR to the school to gather evidence e.g. IEPs, emails, reports. You can also send the OT report. But don’t delay submitting the DLA form. You can send further evidence on as you receive it. If you haven’t already, have a look at the Cerebra guide to check you haven’t missed anything.

Without seeing the report and knowing more about DD’s needs I don’t feel able to comment on whether you should send the diagnostic letter or not. If you think it does more harm than good, don’t send it. If you feel it is helpful, send it.

You should request an EHCNA. On their website IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

Sunnydays41 · 27/10/2023 16:49

Thanks for that. Completely understand! I'm really torn... On one hand, as the majority is just what I've said paraphrased, it doesn't really add very much in that respect. Though based on what I'd said, she does summarise her four main concerns.

If the DWP does notice apparent contradictions (though looking at the report again, the wording in relation to getting dressed is: "X can get dressed, undressed including fastenings." - can doesn't mean will... Can they really argue that that is a contradiction?), would they immediately mark that bit down or ask for more evidence?

OP posts:
Sunnydays41 · 27/10/2023 16:51

Oh, and I am going through the Cerebra guide section by section as I complete the form!

Tbh I have become completely fixated with this form, I will be glad to get it sent off.

OP posts:
YellowRosesWithRedTips · 27/10/2023 18:12

It is impossible to say whether DWP will notice the contradiction, and if they do whether it will result in them questioning other aspects of the form. Sadly, it’s a lottery whose desk it lands on.

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