Hi! Does anyone have any advice filling in the DLA forms please? My brain is mush every time I try. I've done it 3 times before so I should know by now what to do, but it just seems to get harder each time! I have a 9 year old who is severely autistic. I feel they are entitled to the higher rate for both elements, but we have never been awarded these levels so far. I am on a few Facebook groups, but I can't really find the answers to just how to best fill out the form, they are all full of people complaining, appealing the decision or asking if they can claim for their broken nail. I just find it so stressful and I really want to get it done before the school holidays start as I won't be able to concentrate on it at all then.
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I’ve not long filled some for my daughter so i can try to help? @Lucyxxxx could you offer some advice as i know you have experience x
Thank you @Stripper Vicar (cool user name BTW, that song will be stuck in my head now)!
I am trying to write a daily diary as a few websites have suggested and on my 3rd side of A4 but lunchtime - too much?
I am trying to write a daily diary as a few websites have suggested and on my 3rd side of A4 but lunchtime - too much?
Not at all. I’m very much of the opinion that you can never submit too much when it comes to these forms. I included copies of her SALT reports, her support plans for school, her application for an EHCP, her CAMHS forms and basically anything else i had.
I think you don’t realise how much your kids need extra help through the day until you start jotting things down. My daughter is an only child so yes i already knew she needed more help with some things compared to other kids but it highlighted a few extra bits that i just take for granted as i do them all the time.
I found it helpful to start the forms online and then save as you go along rather than using the paper ones (if you are able to do it this way)
I’m not sure if you know but there is quite a backlog in processing the forms at the moment.I have been waiting since April for ours.
2 of my kids gets DLA. Both middle rate care. Youngest gets no mobility despite only 2 weeks ago going from orthotic boots to shoes with insoles (mild CP) and still being in a pram at 3 an a half years old. 
you have to literally put EVERYTHING down. So say for my younger boy I even included I have to still do him baby milk and do him his protein shakes (dysphagia) which takes 5 mins at a time. I have to vacuum multiple times a day as he picks random bits off the floor and puts them in his mouth which takes 15/20 mins at a time. Mind you his report from portage is what got it him. It's based on what extra care they need. My kids have to get taxis everywhere as they dont understand danger/sensory issues/crowd become too much for them. You have to explain it to them like they are 5. So my kids don't sleep so I said I have to stay and supervise them as if left alone they could harm themselves/come to harm. My youngest doesn't speak whatsoever and my other boy can speak but not like put a sentence together so I have to do all their speaking for them. You have to be very literal and spell it out for them. Of course send all and any supporting forms. My autistic boy got a 7 Yr award when he was 4. My younger boy got a 2 Yr award and goes up for renewal just before 5th birthday. I claimed for him since he turned 1. Any help feel free to ask. I hope my advice is helpful!
you have to literally put EVERYTHING down. So say for my younger boy I even included I have to still do him baby milk and do him his protein shakes (dysphagia) which takes 5 mins at a time. I have to vacuum multiple times a day as he picks random bits off the floor and puts them in his mouth which takes 15/20 mins at a time. Mind you his report from portage is what got it him. It's based on what extra care they need. My kids have to get taxis everywhere as they dont understand danger/sensory issues/crowd become too much for them. You have to explain it to them like they are 5. So my kids don't sleep so I said I have to stay and supervise them as if left alone they could harm themselves/come to harm. My youngest doesn't speak whatsoever and my other boy can speak but not like put a sentence together so I have to do all their speaking for them. You have to be very literal and spell it out for them. Of course send all and any supporting forms. My autistic boy got a 7 Yr award when he was 4. My younger boy got a 2 Yr award and goes up for renewal just before 5th birthday. I claimed for him since he turned 1. Any help feel free to ask. I hope my advice is helpful!Thank you both!
not sure if this has been said as just skimmed quickly, but I was told to put the worst day down. Like a really bad day x