DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE +

INVALID CARE ALLOWANCE

Many children/adults with a diagnosis of A.S.D., Asperger's syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Semantic Pragmatic Disorder, Autism will have special needs.

Some will require additional support at school and may need a Statement of Special Educational Needs to provide support greater than the school is able to provide from it’s resources.

In non-school times many with such a diagnosis will require extra supervision than children of the same age. This maybe that you are constantly asked questions or the child is unsafe if not monitored constantly. The child may need supervision and help with dressing, washing or toileting (care needs) above what would be considered ‘usual’ for their peers.

If this is the case the child is likely to be entitled to claim DLA – Disability Living Allowance on the grounds that they need assistance with personal care and supervision.

Point to consider when completing the application - 

• Repetitive questioning that requires long and involved responses from you
• Additional locks or doors and windows to prevent 'escape' 
• Fire guards - long after really considered needed.
• Selecting the correct clothes - awareness of when clothes require cleaning
• Showing / washing / hair washing  - need constant prompt
• How much time it takes you to settle the person after an outburst 
• Sleep difficulties.  If your child wakes regularly in the night, or if a much older child fails to go to sleep until the small hours of the morning. 

You should consider the  prolonged and repeated attention that you give to the person you have to care for. 

Mobility is another component. This can be claimed if the child needs supervision outdoors – for reasons like – Inability to deal and understand traffic / road safety. Would not be able to communicate needs to others if out alone. Inability to deal with ‘stranger danger’ – again all these to be beyond what would be expected for a child of similar age. The authorities expect that a child of seven/eight will be able to walk 3 miles to school unaccompanied – this may help you to determine if your child’s needs are greater than their peers.
A recent ruling was made that the IQ level for those with autistic spectrum disorders was misleading, that it was the level on usable intelligence which was important - meaning how they put all the facts together + common sense - problem solve and act. 

Try to include some information relating to Autism when returning your forms. Try to get help from someone who has completed a form relative to ASD, this may not be a specialist - just another parent - who has been through it before. 

Invalid Care Allowance – Once a child/adult is approved for DLA – if you are their carer and do not work and earn more than 72.00 per week, you would likely be entitled to claim ICA –  (Rates do change - check with DSS for latest figures)

Their any many rules and regulations on both DLA and ICA which haven’t been explained here. This is just an outline to help you determine if your child / you would be entitled to claim the benefits.

If you require any more information contact the DSS and ask for an information pack.

DSS - Department of Social Security

This information is for assistance only.  Do not rely upon it - check with relevant government offices for clarification or contact your local WELFARE RIGHTS OFFICE.

 April 2001

TIPS on completing the DLA forms - soon   

©Rosalyn Lord 2001