DLA application

[debs40]

Am I right in thinking I can apply for DLA while pending ASD diagnosis?

I think mention has been made of a sight which provides guidance on completing the forms. Can anyone provide me with the link?

Any other info/guidance much appreciated.

The guide I used is from Cerebra, here It's very very good IMO.

I did include DS' Paed report which stated his diagnosis though. And every single letter I had ever had, SALT, HV, developmental playgroup, one from his pre-school teacher to back it up.

I'd do that too and because DLA doesn't depend on dx, and if you look at the guide you'll be aware of all the little things you do all day and every day which mean that his care needs are substantially greater than those of a typically developing child of the same age. That's what they're looking for evidence of.

You don't need dx to get DLA, it's based on care needs not on dx. But it helps to have professionals supporting you and to send any reports you do have. It's a very long form and depends a lot on how you word things. If there is an advice/carers centre near you who can help you complete it, it's worth getting them to help you fill it out.

The Cerebra website has a good guide, I can't link from phone but should be able to find it on Google. I was also sent an info pack from NAS which was very useful - phone their helpline and ask them to send it.

I was very lucky, my HV helped me fill the form out. My daughter was only diagnosed as complex social communication disorder, they havent given the autism as a diagnosis yet. I was told I it would be good if I sent all medical reports if I have, so I did. The DLA wrote back to me since and said, theyll have to contact the school and her doctors, HV, psychologist, etc to check everything on the form. It takes usually 8 weeks before they make a decision. Ill probably hear from them end of next months if Im lucky.

The Downs syndrome association do a good guide for different ages - most of it can be applied to any disability.
www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/resources/publications/benefits.html

We manage to get higher rate DLA for dd2 before dx. I agree that Cerebra has a great guide to filling in the forms.