DLA- For autistic child.?

Question

My son is almost 3, with severe autism. All the health professionals that we have seen believe we should get the higher rate, however we were refused dla entirely when we applied.

Is it worth trying again?

Does anyone else have a similar problem?

Answer 1

Hi Hun i found with My son it does get easier to get DLA when he is a little older ...Thomas is 10 and has severe autism non verbal, they will go by what your child can do for himself, Thomas cannot wash dress be left alone and is still in nappies/diapers and cannot talk, i had help applying from my sons hospital consultant, Thomas was only getting the low rate when he was your sons age, but as he got older he is now getting high rate care and now high rate mobility, its does help if you can get letters from your GP and hospital, its a long process...i wish you luck

Answer 2

My cousin had the same problem with her son.He has Costello's Syndrome.They were told you couldn't apply for a child until they were 5 years old,as a disabled child of a young age doesn't require much more attention than an fully -abled child.

Stupid assumption i say. x Good Luck x

Answer 3

my son has aspergers. he gets dla paid at the higher rate for personal care BUT the lower rate for mobility. you must not give up, re apply. autism is a recognized disability by the government of britain. i am sure he is entitled to it. contact the national autistic society in london, they will be able to advise and support you.  good luck  love

Answer 4

YES keep trying until you get the answer you want, my child gets high rate care but not mobility she was diagnosed with moderate to severe end of the spectrum level it is very hard to get mobility end of DLA but you should get care component of DLA, As some answers have said see your GP when filling forms so they can help, Or your MP they always have someone who can fill in forms, Keep pursuing with this they will eventually say yes, Good Luck it will all work out.

Answer 5

You should absolutely reapply. Ask all of the people involved with caring for your son to write reports or letters as this will support your claim.  Another idea is to go to or call you local social services department as they usually have special needs outreach workers who may come to your home and help you fill out the claim form. I hope this helps.  Good Luck. x

Answer 6

Speak to your doctor. When the DLA do their asessment they write to your doctor for conformation of your sons condition. If neccessary, ask your doctor to appeal on your behalf, or at least write to them for you explaining how your sons condition affects him and the rest of the family.

Good luck

xx

Answer 7

There does seem to be problems at the moment with people trying to claim disability living allowance for children who are on the autistic spectrum. The department for work and pensions does not actually class autism as a mental disorder and at the moment seem very reluctant to grant it. The best thing you can do is get as much supporting evidence as you can from the professionals who are working with your son, if possible get them to write letters saying how your son's condition affects your family and him. You will have to prove that he is significantly different to a child of 3 who does not have a disability. Ask the DLA to look at the decision again and give them any new evidence. If they still won't change the decision you will probably have to go to a tribunal. Get a welfare rights worker to help you as they usually do have experience of these kinds of cases. Above all do not give up your son should get the benefits he is due to. Good luck.

Answer 8

Check the "Financial Aid" section for my answer.

Good luck.

Answer 9

Reapply, you will probably not get the high rate, but you should certainly get middle or low rate, care and mobility ,

My grandson gets dla and he has mild aspergers, he does not get the highest rate tho, but he does get it, so my advice is to re apply then if you dont get it appeal, i am sure you will win and it will be backdated...... good luck