Is it possible to get high rate mobility for an autistic child? He uses a wheelchair all the time outside and can not really walk it is not just because of him being naughty he really struggles and suffers he throws himself in front of cars and we can not really use public transport due to his meltdowns he bites and attacks people if they come too close so the wheelchair is an easier option. Does anyone know if the DLA take mental illness into account for high rate mobility or do they just take physical disability into account.

Thanks

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Will I EVER stop having to fight for my son to have what he NEEDS!?

Hi i think they take mental illness into it as well . I'm filling in my forms for it DLA again and going for the mobility part as my son is coming 3 years old and it does say on it : if the child can only walk a short distance before they feel severe discomfort . : if the child is severely mentally impaired with severe behaviour problems and needs help with personal care day and night . There is other apply's but your son doesnt fit into them . Its just putting that your son needs more help or supervision than an other child of the same age who do not have their particular needs . Hope this helps xx

oh ok, thanks. Well he gets high rate care and low rate mobility at the moment but he cannot walk at all really he use a wheelchair full time and when he does walk he throws himself in-front of cars etc so I suppose it's worth asking them to look at it again I just didn't think they counted mental illness as well. Hope you get your sons sorted too xx

(03-28-2011 08:42 AM)lubynoo Wrote:  Is it possible to get high rate mobility for an autistic child? He uses a wheelchair all the time outside and can not really walk it is not just because of him being naughty he really struggles and suffers he throws himself in front of cars and we can not really use public transport due to his meltdowns he bites and attacks people if they come too close so the wheelchair is an easier option. Does anyone know if the DLA take mental illness into account for high rate mobility or do they just take physical disability into account.

Thanks

Hi, yes it is possible. We have two Autistic children one gets higher rate mobility and care, and our son get lower rate mobility. It was not straight forward we had to go to a tribunal in the end, but they will give higher rate mobility for Autism

(03-28-2011 11:32 AM)crabwell42 Wrote:  

(03-28-2011 08:42 AM)lubynoo Wrote:  Is it possible to get high rate mobility for an autistic child? He uses a wheelchair all the time outside and can not really walk it is not just because of him being naughty he really struggles and suffers he throws himself in front of cars and we can not really use public transport due to his meltdowns he bites and attacks people if they come too close so the wheelchair is an easier option. Does anyone know if the DLA take mental illness into account for high rate mobility or do they just take physical disability into account.

Thanks

Hi, yes it is possible. We have two Autistic children one gets higher rate mobility and care, and our son get lower rate mobility. It was not straight forward we had to go to a tribunal in the end, but they will give higher rate mobility for Autism

Oh that is helpful to know if you don't mind me asking does your son walk unaided or does he use a wheelchair or a specialist buggy? Does he react badly when out and about?