hi all, does anyone know how heavily DLA decision makers rely on school reports when making a decision? I have applied for DLA for my 5yr old who is currently under assessment for possible adhd/hyperactivity. His behaviour at home is out of control, he is violent, verbally abusive, wets and messes himself etc. but is well behaved at school. His teacher came up to me the other day and said she has been asked by DLA to send a report, but that as he was good at school that it wouldnt be of any help to my case and so the report wouldnot mention any bad things. She has only been teaching him since Sept anyway. Does this mean we'll just get turned down on the basis of what she says?

Thanks

I am unsure if they would only take her account into consideration. Perhaps on the part where it asks someone you know to tell them how their condition affects their life you could ask someone who is aware of his distructive behaviour. If you have a look at the decision makers handbook i think it mentions something about getting reports from schools but i think it also says for any child labelled asd they also have to write to their paediatrician for information on their care needs and that their SEN is also looked at....if he has one!?

xx

Its about getting the complete picture.
Have you got outside independent people who also witness this behaviour i.e playworkers,doctors,health visitors.

If you can think of independent people ask for these people to be contacted and also consider if at all possible getting a report written by these people to send in with your application so they have everything in front of them.

Hi all

As i predicted, we were turned down for DLA

is it worht appealing?

Hi Loussie2

I would definately appeal - you have nothing to lose.

You mention that your son wets and messes, does he do this at school? Does he have an IEP or any extra support at school?