A big thanks regarding DLA

[mynameis]

Hi everyone I'm generally a lurker on the Special needs board but I wanted to say a big thanks for all the wonderful advice past & present on filling in DLA forms. DS2 has just been awarded middle rate (care) on our first time of applying.

DS is 2.11 and has speech & language difficulties/social skills delay and is being assessed for ASD. DH has found the fact that he has been awarded DLA very hard to deal with but I want to try & look at the positives of what having the money can do for our DS.

I was hoping that someone could suggest some practical ideas for the best use of the money. DS has been refused Speech therapy, so would like to find a course of some kind that would benefit him.

Is there anything else I need to do now he has DLA? Tax credits etc I sound so unknowledgeable, this is so new and difficult for us

do tell tax credits, it might mean you are entitled to more money off them
are you getting carers allowance?

Hi. I will ring Tax credits, thankyou. I don't think I'm entitled to carers allowance as I work part time.

hi so glad you got dla what about talking a course in sign language? i am trying now to learn dd 18m sign and we both enjoying it.

hi so glad you got dla what about talking a course in sign language? i am trying now to learn dd 18m sign and we both enjoying it.

Why has he been refused speech therapy ? I hope that's not too intrusive a question but why do they feel he does not fulfill the criteria for speech therapy?

Well done for getting the middle rate, i also got middle for dd1 (Aspergers syndrome) after getting advice on here, i never thought we would get anything even though we were already claiming for dd2 (ASD).

Getting this extra money has helped so much as i had to give up my job to look after dd2, im hoping to go on a PEC's course after i have been on the early birds course next month.

Maybe PEC's is something you could think about, my dd2 is simalar to your DS, she has severe speech delay and sensory issues, we havn't got a dx for her yet but she is doing well using PEC's, she hasn't shown any interest in signing even though everyone signs at her play-group.

Thanks for the responses.

cyberseraphim he has been refused speech therapy because they feel he has a 'presenting pattern of difficulties' their words not mine. I felt the speech therapist was very negative about him to be honest.

Marne could you explain a bit more to me what a PEC course involves.

I havn't been on a PEC's course yet but there are a few on her who have.

PEC's (picture exchange communication) involves communicating using picture cards and symbols, the chil hands over a picture card to indicate a choice of activity, food etc. I will see if i can find you some links for the coures.

hope this helps

and this

Thanks Marne There is sooo much I don't know about!

you said you work part time, you can claim carers if you earn less than around £90 a wk i think. yes do tell tax credits, it should mean more money on there, and also if you claim any rent allowance then also tell them as you may be entitled to more rent also. also re: speech therapy, do you have a local surestart, ours has a speech therapist on the team that runs courses and they could also be a good signpost for you. well done on managing those horrendous forms.

I think you should go back to Speech and Therapy to ask what they mean when they say they cannot help him. I know you are still without a diagnosis so did they mean that he cannot access Speech Therapy designed for developmentally normal children - which might mean he can still be put forward for PECS or for the Hanen program ?

Great you got it , it can be such a battle

We are due to see the paediatrician in Jan for a review, not that the appointment has come through yet so I will definately ask about accessing other help through Speech therapy. I honestly have found out far more from mumsnet than any of the professionals that have been involved so far!