Benefit question (disabilty)

[discowoman]

I don't know if i have mentioned this before - but our 4 year old son is in the process of getting a diagnosis for Autistic spectrum disability ( he has aspects of Autism - Aspergers and also A.D.D, as well as some others).
We have Nothing in Black and white yet, and have been told it could be up to another 8 months before we do..But my question regards the benefits side of things...we have been told conflicting things about this, some people say we can backdate any claim for up tp 6 months - where others have said that NO backdating is allowed, Now its getting very obvious that we are going to have to adapt our house to suit his needs (safety aspects mainly) but we cannot wait till we have a diagnosis in writing...so does anyone have any experience of claiming Grants etc based on Disabilities??
Any help would be very much appreciated as the official government sites are very hard to follow if you dont have a definate diagnosis..

[Andy 300tdi]

citizens advice bureau should be able to help

[Yoshi]

As far as i know with benefits claims, they will only backdate any claim to the point where the application process began.

[Edge]

As far as i know with benefits claims, they will only backdate any claim to the point where the application process began.

True.
I will phone my sister now and post what she says about grants etc...

[MudRat]

ASD and Aspergers, poor blighter, however its good to be diagnosed early, i have a bit of experience with these disorders, start looking for schools (both primary and secondary) now, also do not forget the most important thing... ROUTINE!! Also healthy eating, loads of exersise and regular sports training _ Martial arts and rugby work well. Its the only way forward and if you are good, it can avoid the need for ritalin (speed for kids!)

[Edge]

just been told by social services employee...... you need to wait until full diagnosis is complete before any grants will be given. (she did add, citizens advice may know of loopholes to help you in a round about way!)

[discowoman]

just been told by social services employee...... you need to wait until full diagnosis is complete before any grants will be given. (she did add, citizens advice may know of loopholes to help you in a round about way!)

Thanks for that - we had suspected as much

[discowoman]

ASD and Aspergers, poor blighter, however its good to be diagnosed early, i have a bit of experience with these disorders, start looking for schools (both primary and secondary) now, also do not forget the most important thing... ROUTINE!! Also healthy eating, loads of exersise and regular sports training _ Martial arts and rugby work well. Its the only way forward and if you are good, it can avoid the need for ritalin (speed for kids!

Schools are being sorted - he has been in a special nursery unit since April Last year  - at the moment he is being statemented by the local authority..and he is being pushed for a place at a local specialist school (he starts 'big' school in september)  total of 6 children and 14 staff, so its one of the best for his condition(s)..the child psycologist has also reccomended this unit, so its a good posibility that he will get in there..

[muddy4x4]

Discowoman   I`ve worked with children who have special needs for quiet a few years now. Once your son is placed in the correct school,he will get all the support and help he needs. The school I work at is a local school with a couple of special units attached to it. So all the children get to play together  :)  I know it seems at times that your banging your head on a brick wall but keep pushing to get the best for your son. Good luck, hope things work out well for your family  :clap:

[Wireless]

There's also bound to be parent support groups in your area for these conditions, which will be a source of information, as well as experience.

Your Social Worker or Child Psychologist should be able to give you contacts.

[dave_2A_2.25Turbo]

keep pushing to get the best for your son.

That is by far the best advice anyone can give.  My son is deaf and SWMBO used to work as an LSA - it's all to easy to end up at the back of the queue - they deal with the most vocal first.  You have to be very firm, but keep it polite. 

[Range Rover Blues]

Given how long the claims process takes I'd say start now, you'll probably have the diagnosis before you see a penny anyway.