Would a family with an autistic teen in mainstream school get benefits?

[Onionsalad]

I was chatting to a colleague yesterday. She told me about her teenage ds 13. He has autism and is in a mainstream school. He often has meltdowns, has Arfid and goes through loads of shoes because he walks on tip toes.
Friend said she isn't entitled to any benefits? Her and dh work in minimum wage jobs.
Does this sound right?
I know people who have dcs that don't have as many issues and get some help with benefits.

I thought I'd ask on here as don't want to discuss her private life with people I know. Although I suppose I could just not say her name?

DLA is based on needs, not diagnosis. Some autistic DC in MS are eligible. Some aren’t. If your friend has been refused, I suggest she appeals. However, just because she tells you her DC isn’t eligible, doesn’t mean they aren’t receiving it. They may want to keep it private for a variety of reasons. Also, just because you think others have fewer needs, doesn’t mean that is actually the case.

Whether they are eligible for UC would depend on their individual circumstances. Some would be. Others wouldn’t be.

No, you absolutely should not discuss your friend’s private life with others IRL.

Oh she definitely isn't getting any benefits for him.
I just find it so unfair when they have to buy certain foods and get more shoes than the average dc.

Unless you are the friend, you cannot know for certain.

DLA is based on needs, not costs incurred.

She if isn’t receiving DLA for DC, she can appeal if she wants to.