Is there a benefit one can claim for children with a speech delay?

[Raindog]

My DD2 has just turned 2 and has speech and language delay as well as some motor skill delays. She's been investigated for all sorts of conditions ever since about 10 months when she had her head circumference measured and was found to have macrocephaly and other 'soft markers' such as a single palmar crease, wideset eyes, short philtrum etc. So far all tests have come back negative and she has been referred to the genetics team.

She was assessed by a developmental specialist today who told me that we could claim some kind of disability benefit for her, and I wondered if anyone knew anything about this? It seems strange because as far as I'm concerned she's just a bit slower at getting round to things e.g. they were concerned about her walking, but she walked by 18 months.

I should have asked more questions about this benefit, but do you think he meant DLA or is there some other benefit that I could claim for her? Sorry this is a bit rambling!

I think they mean DLA. We claim DLA for DD1: she has development delays, nothing diagnosed either.

Thank you cktwo. I had a look at the form and I guess I was thinking that I can't honestly say she needs 'more' help than any other 2 year old. Obviously I guess there are things like taking her to appointments (she's being seen at 2 hospitals, the developmental specialists, SALT, vision clinic and soon to be genetics too) and we've been advised to take her swimming and to soft play etc to help her muscle tone. Maybe that counts as extra help?

It's hard when there's no diagnosis isn't it? I know it doesn't affect them whether it's diagnosed or not, but I sort of want to have a peg to hang my coat on iykwim. How old is your DD1?

We claim for dd1 and dd2, dd2 doesn't have a dx (possible ASD), she's 3 and non-verbal so you should be able to claim something.

Raindog we claim dla for my dd shes 20m shes undx and we just been refered to genetics too and like your dd shes walking but in her own fashion ,clumsy, wide gait high stepping walk, she also as trouble with speech and learning mackaton

Hi we were given dla for my son for development delay, it buys his educational equip. I dont think ppl realise its availible if u need it. So hopefully this thread will be knowledgeable for all

Thank you everyone. I had no idea we would be eligible so it's useful to know. The form is really putting me off though - questions like 'how many minutes a day do you have to help them?'!

trace2 - my DD has a very wide gait too and her own walk! The dr said her muscle tone as about what he'd expect with a 14 month old but that her walking should improve as her muscles get stronger. That's why he suggested swimming, soft play, oh and ride on toys! We can't move in our house for ride-on toys and things on wheels!

yes my dd as hypotonia low muscle tone thats what they said to her at 14m shes now 20m and still they same but she is a strong though girl and very determined to get the best out of her life , she also as hypmobil joints , and chloe does swimming since 6m , i take her to soft play and climbs better than her brother whos 6years lol

also i got help fulling mine in from welfre rights

Raindog, if you want to any help filling in the form, give me a shout.

I considered DD will need help getting on things, off things, down stairs, up stairs, will get more tired than an average 2 year old, cannot ask for food, drink, tell you she is warm, cold, sick, hungry. And when thjey ask you how often you need to help her with these things, say all day.

Thanks cktwo. I've had another go at the form and am nearly there I think. I've been busy just digging out all the addresses of the various doctors we've seen.

It's useful to add in some of the things you've mentioned as well. I suppose I hadn't really thought of it in terms of helping her up and down etc since I do most of those things instinctively.

To all,
Ive just posted on another thread about DLA but this one seems more appropriate.

My DD2 (20mths) has no Dx.
Chromosome 7 anomaly, hypotonia (hardly noticeable on the top half but unable to move about easily - bum shuffle, but kisses the carpet frequently when she stretches for a toy, can't get up from lying down, can't crawl/commando, etc)- has to be carried everywhere & doesn't 'grip' me (hypermobile joints?), only says 'mum', possible eating/drinking probs, etc!
Gives me a broken/ sleepless night once or twice a week.
Otherwise - healthy.
seeing alot of docs, and other proffessionals, and just recently started 2 specialist tots groups, plus 2x swimming a week to complement phsyio.

And to be honest she just looks like a very happy smiley girl!

But I have now been told by 2x HV to complete a DLA form. They have both offered to help me complete the form too.

All the above (and more) are tiring ( have 2 other DD too) and I just took it that that was how it was going to be (as Raindog said - you do it instinctively).

But the more people (like MNetters) discuss these 'things', the more I can see maybe we would qualify.

Heaven knows the extra dosh would be great.

as I have been repeatedly told - write about your worst day and keep your fingers crossd!
Sorry - didn't mean to hijack the thread!

by all means apply we did for dd but shes on 24hour care she apenoa and goes blue we got top care allownce.

To reiterate what bsac said - we wrote an example of a trip to the park when we first got turned down for DLA - how I have to use the buggy, lift DD1 onto swings etc, off things and when she gets tired after 20 mins, she'll lie down on the floor and bang her head on the ground. They didn't turn us down after that comment!

Raindog - DD1 has just turned 4