Requesting ECHP for 22 yr old ASD DD

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DD hasn't had one before - left school with 3 very good A Levels, was only diagnosed aged 19. Has tried several times study at Uni, which isn't going well, so is abandoning that. Also applied for loads of jobs/ apprenticeships without success. Suffers from depression/anxiety.

Someone suggested that she could apply for an ECHP and through that apply for a supported internship.

Is this likely to be successful? Can she apply in her own right? Which local authority - our's or where she is living? Is there a good helpline/ source of advice.

Thanks.

If she hasn't already dropped out of uni she could apply for a disabled student's allowance.

www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

Info here about applying for an EHC Needs assesssment.

www.ipsea.org.uk/ehc-needs-assessments

She would apply herself to the LA where she is currently living. If she goes down this route I would recommend she has assessments from SLT and OT and maybe an autism specialist so that all needs including any sensory needs or social communication needs are included in the EHCP too.

Be warned though. LAs very often refuse requests initially and then back down when people appeal. You also need to keep on top of timescales as many LAs breach them, so then the process goes on forever which would be crucial in your daughter's case, as an EHCP can only legally be in place up to the age of 25.

If your daughter has to appeal, she may qualify for legal aid if she is not earning and only has minimal or no savings. Is she claiming ESA or PIP?

Lots of info on the IPSEA site. They also have an advice line and a tribunal helpline.

www.ipsea.org.uk/Pages/Category/service-overview

Thank you Ellie - that's so helpful

We've had DSA but too little too late - DD fed up and disheartened now so wants to stop trying. She can always go back in a few years to studying if that's what she wants.