DLA

[katiewil]

Hi all, my dd3 nearly 4 is currently on the waiting list for autism/adhd diagnosis, I've been told to apply for dla for her as I've had to cut hours in work to look after her, she goes to school (full time nursery) and they are the ones who completed her ND referral and also in the process of doing an IDP (wales so don't know if it's different in England)
I'm just wondering what evidence I need to send off with the application? We don't have a lot as she's currently going through the process of being diagnosed, but she has very little communication skills, is very hyperactive and has no sense of danger so needs constant supervision, she is still unable to access the toilet or dress/undress herself so she does need more care than other NT kids her age, I've never been through this before so any helpful advice on what to send along with the application will be appreaciated

Also to add, I haven't been given any of the reports (only have a report from education pyschologist) who would I contact for the reports from salt, nursery nurse and health visitors? Would gp have all these or would I have to request from each department that has dealt with her?

Hi my daughter is 4 and we have recently been awarded HRC and lrm from her 5th birthday.

We have no diagnosis yet either, however I sent off a copy of the referral for speech and language, graduated response from preschool a sleep diary, a copy of the continence team plan and then detailed some additional care that we provide and how long it takes as well as what she struggles with day to day and how that then affects her.

Ie, we have been unable to properly wash daughter due to her sensory issues, so it takes two of us to do a strip down wash, how it can take anywhere from ten mins to 30 mins to brush teeth or brush hair.

Then also how she doesn't sit to eat she can do the act but actually physically have to feed her because she don't sit still

She also eats none food items and needs supervision but not only for this but she has no sense of danger at all will run and climb and not stop.

Daughter also non verbal. Who did the referral for salt? If nursery did it I would ask them if they have a copy of the report.

I would send your claim now and not wait for the report, there is a 19 week wait for DLA and you can send in evidence while your waiting. Also post tracked and signed for

Just saw the last bit I believe you will need to contact all separately

Hi thanks for the reply! The health visitors did most of her referrals (salt, play nurse, education psychologist) would they be able to give me all the reports?
The school completed her neuro form so will ask them for copies of that too.
My dd sounds exactly the same, she needs constant supervision, she has a 1:1 in school as she is a danger to herself and others

The Cerebra guide is helpful when completing the DLA form.

You can send the information from nursery, including the IDP paperwork, reports from SALT, EP, nursery nurse and the referrals for the ASD/ADHD assessments. Contact the services directly to request copies of the paperwork. If the HCPs make you submit SARs to get the information that will be the the trust the HCP comes under.

Thankyou, I'm currently reading through the cerebra guide now, I will phone all relevant professionals tomorrow and ask for copies of these, the health visiting team have been amazing with my dd so far so hopefully they will forward all referrals and relevant paperwork to me

Hi, my daughter is 3 will be 4 February. She was awarded high rate DLA October last year. I sent every single report from the development centre my daughter is under. Any letters from referals she had, so speech therapy, supportive play sessions, audiology, paediatric letters and reports. The main thing i think that goes in your favour is the statement on the form from someone who is fighting your corner, that person needs to be someone who knows about your childs condition. My daughter before starting nursery was under a team in Conwy Wales called child development, the disability nurse filled it in, its a little statement basically that explains your childs disabilites and needs. Have you got a support worker or your health visitor could do it? When filling in the form you need to put as much details as possible and i mean every single detail, the person reading it may not know much about autism. I went on to an extra 4 A4 pages. My daughter is non verbal, difficulties with everything from eating, drinking, sleeping, social difficulties, sensory processing difficulties. She puts everything in her mouth so is at danger of choking all the time, she is 24/7 care. I would definately put a claim in now don't delay, it took 16 weeks for my claim to go through. I hope this has helped, and good luck x

Thankyou! She's in mainstream school at the moment, we have a meeting end of the month for an IDP and her nursery teacher has agreed to fill it in! I am contacting the HV service today and to ask for reports on everything they have! Fingers crossed they award it as I've had to reduce work hours due to not having anyone who can watch her before and after school x