16yr old DLA to PIP for CFS/M.E.

Hello there. I have just started to read through the PIP Guide pack for my son's forthcoming transfer from DLA to PIP.

I am looking at Q9 regarding Communicating.

My son has a lot of difficulty with communication. In PIP terms his problems would include understanding complex sentences for part or all of every day (so on 100% of days).

He doesn't understand what people mean when they speak to him. He may look at them, and nod at appropriate times. But he actually has no idea what they have said or what he is agreeing to. He has previously very clearly indicated consent to a physical medical examination, when in fact he had no idea what the Dr had asked and had not consented.

In any important situation (ie where this lack of understanding matters at all) I need to be with him as I know when he is likely not to have understood and when he is likely to be faking understanding. I also need to check that he has understood by addressing him very clearly and directly and asking him to say in his words what the other person meant.

Your Guide says that the Regulations say that communication support is "a person trained or experienced in communicating with people with specific communication needs". Also that DWP Guidance says that communication support includes professional signers, but can also include "someone directly experienced in communicating with the claimant themselves (for example a family member)".

The whole question seems to be aimed at claimants with hearing or speech impediments of some kind. But my son absolutley has a problem with communication, just a different type of problem.

Am I right that my son, as described fits descriptor C (4 points) here?

Since it is only Guidance that mentions family members (and the Regulations mention trained professionals), plus the question seems to be getting at a different type of communiction problem, is there anything in particular that I need to make sure to include in my answer to get the 4 points?

He also sometimes struggles with simple sentences but this is on less that 50% of the days so is that not counted?

Thank you

Thank you. It says speaking, hearing and understanding in the PIP form. His issue is mainly with understanding what is said. He often/mostly doesnt understand complex sentences. I have to check his understanding, and re-explain things, he usually has no idea. Because he can fake normal social conventions of looking and nodding, most people dont realise he has a problem. He has these difficulties because of the brain fog / cognitive impairment with the cfs. What do you think?