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DLA Advice
- Lisa
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3 years 8 months ago #262356 by Lisa
DLA Advice was created by Lisa
Good Morning.
I am currently in the process of filling in an application for my 6 year old boy with diagnosed ADHD and awaiting assessment for ASD. I know DLA isn’t awarded on diagnosis but I’m assuming it will help. I am getting together all the relevant evidence, clinic reports, school SEN arrangements but something I don’t have “evidence” for is night time needs. Since COVID my son has become extremely anxious and wakes in the night and comes in to us wired and needs to be taken back to bed and resettled. Because of his condition he cannot be left alone awake with his little 10 month old brother who he shares a bedroom with so we have to supervise them together whenever he is awake. We haven’t spoken about this to any professionals so have no way of backing up the claim. All of his clinic reports state he is a good sleeper which he always has been so it contradicts what I need to say. I was wondering how to go about this on the form? Any help much appreciated.
I am currently in the process of filling in an application for my 6 year old boy with diagnosed ADHD and awaiting assessment for ASD. I know DLA isn’t awarded on diagnosis but I’m assuming it will help. I am getting together all the relevant evidence, clinic reports, school SEN arrangements but something I don’t have “evidence” for is night time needs. Since COVID my son has become extremely anxious and wakes in the night and comes in to us wired and needs to be taken back to bed and resettled. Because of his condition he cannot be left alone awake with his little 10 month old brother who he shares a bedroom with so we have to supervise them together whenever he is awake. We haven’t spoken about this to any professionals so have no way of backing up the claim. All of his clinic reports state he is a good sleeper which he always has been so it contradicts what I need to say. I was wondering how to go about this on the form? Any help much appreciated.
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- LL26
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3 years 8 months ago - 3 years 8 months ago #262359 by LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by LL26 on topic DLA Advice
Hi Lisa,
To obtain DLA for your son, you will need to show that he has significant care needs throughout the day and or night, and these are much greater than those usually required for a child of his age. Obviously at 6, you wouldn't normally need constant supervision, and you would hope a child could get himself dressed alone but perhaps just a check to ensure buttons etc are done. Etc etc
If you have a friend or relative with a 6 year old compare them to your son. Ask relevant questions about care needs. Then I suggest you make a diary across a week or two. This needs to include help from ALL carers at home so husband, grandparents, friends etc. Compare this with the friend's child. Your son's teacher may also be able to provide a statement, particularly if your son has extra help in class.
As for the night problems. I suggest you get an appointment with the GP or nurse. You go there and say you are concerned about your son at night. It may be that there is medicine to help but you can choose to use this or decline, you can also ask for any helpful strategy as this may also be helpful. Tell the GP how long the night problems have been going on.However, most importantly there will then be a recording on the GP notes. This is back up. But clearly your diary will also be good proof. Explain the time taken each night, and give full examples. Give full examples of all care needs, remembering to show how these are extra to usual for 6 year olds.
DLA is basically based on the amount of care throughout day or night. Being on supervision in case if problems is treated as care needs, as well as physical attention.
Have a read of the members guides for more information.
Good luck.
LL26
To obtain DLA for your son, you will need to show that he has significant care needs throughout the day and or night, and these are much greater than those usually required for a child of his age. Obviously at 6, you wouldn't normally need constant supervision, and you would hope a child could get himself dressed alone but perhaps just a check to ensure buttons etc are done. Etc etc
If you have a friend or relative with a 6 year old compare them to your son. Ask relevant questions about care needs. Then I suggest you make a diary across a week or two. This needs to include help from ALL carers at home so husband, grandparents, friends etc. Compare this with the friend's child. Your son's teacher may also be able to provide a statement, particularly if your son has extra help in class.
As for the night problems. I suggest you get an appointment with the GP or nurse. You go there and say you are concerned about your son at night. It may be that there is medicine to help but you can choose to use this or decline, you can also ask for any helpful strategy as this may also be helpful. Tell the GP how long the night problems have been going on.However, most importantly there will then be a recording on the GP notes. This is back up. But clearly your diary will also be good proof. Explain the time taken each night, and give full examples. Give full examples of all care needs, remembering to show how these are extra to usual for 6 year olds.
DLA is basically based on the amount of care throughout day or night. Being on supervision in case if problems is treated as care needs, as well as physical attention.
Have a read of the members guides for more information.
Good luck.
LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 3 years 8 months ago by LL26. Reason: Spelling
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