Amy (@autismlifejournal)

Most people think PIP is based on what you can do. But the DWP doesn’t just look at whether you can do an activity — they look at how you do it. That’s where the four key tests come in: 1️⃣ Safely Can you do it without risk of harm, injury, choking, or distress? Example: “My child can eat, but not…

One of the hardest parts of a DLA form? Describing meltdowns in a way the DWP understands without feeling like you’re exaggerating or failing your child. Here’s how to do it 👇 . 1️⃣ Be specific, not vague Instead of “child has meltdowns,” write: “[Child’s name] has meltdowns 4–5 times a week…

here are charities that will actually pay for technology like iPads or laptops to support your child’s learning, communication, and therapy. Here are some of the main ones 👇 1️⃣ Family Fund – Provides iPads, laptops, and sensory equipment. (They’ll ask for proof of DLA and income details.) 2️⃣…

Here are 7 things to record before completing your form. . 1. Daily care routines Record the help your child needs with dressing, washing, eating and toileting. Include how long each task takes and what you physically do. . 2. Supervision and safety risks Write down incidents involving bolting…

NEW: ADHD could now qualify you for 1/3 OFF train travel! 🚆 From 30 September 2026, the Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility rules expanded to include neurodivergent people, including those with ADHD and autism, whose conditions significantly affect their ability to travel by train. Here's what…

Your child might be able to get dressed, eat or complete certain daily activities. But what happens behind the scenes? The repeated reminders, step-by-step prompting, supervision and additional help that other children of the same age may not need? These details can be important when explaining…

Your child doesn't use a wheelchair. They can walk. But taking them from the car to a shop, school or busy public place can feel like a safety risk. This is something parents of autistic children and children with hidden disabilities may need to explain when applying for a Blue Badge. . Here's…

If your child has a final EHCP but isn't receiving the educational support written into it, don't assume you simply have to accept it. . Start with Section F. This is where your child's special educational provision should be specified. . Check what is actually written: - Is 1:1 support included?…

Here are 6 things worth explaining. 1. Pain during the task Instead of: "I can cook." Write: "I experience significant pain while standing to prepare food. I need frequent breaks and sometimes cannot finish cooking." . 2. Exhaustion afterwards Instead of: "I can shower." Write: "Showering leaves…

One important thing many claimants misunderstand is that medical evidence alone does not automatically guarantee PIP points. Your evidence needs to help explain how your condition affects your ability to complete specific daily living and mobility activities. . Before accepting the refusal, check…

Getting PIP? Here are 8 other benefits and support schemes worth checking! 👇 Many people receiving PIP could be missing out on additional financial support, discounts and practical help. Carer’s Allowance – Financial support for an eligible person caring for you. Disabled Person’s Bus Pass – Free…

DLA is not awarded simply because a child has a diagnosis. It considers the additional care, attention or supervision they need compared with a child of the same age without a disability. And that comparison matters. . Before accepting a refusal, look closely at these three areas: 1. THE EXTRA…

1. Repeating instructions Giving the same instruction 10 times because your child struggles to process or follow it. . 2. Preventing danger Constantly watching because your child may bolt, climb furniture or approach roads without recognising danger. . 3. Helping with dressing Choosing clothes…

A diagnosis can explain your condition. But PIP assesses how that condition affects your ability to manage specific daily living and mobility activities. . The DWP should consider how your difficulties affect activities such as: - Preparing food - Washing and bathing - Dressing and undressing…

When your child’s EHCP is being amended, the draft is not the final plan. This is your opportunity to check whether your child’s needs and educational provision are properly described. . Under Regulation 22 of the SEND Regulations 2014, when a local authority proposes to amend an EHCP following a…

A refusal can feel devastating. After explaining your child’s care, supervision and mobility needs, being told they do not qualify can leave you feeling exhausted and unheard. But a DLA refusal does not necessarily mean the decision cannot be challenged. . If you believe the DWP has misunderstood…

Being able to cook something does not automatically mean you can prepare a simple meal reliably. For PIP, the Preparing Food activity looks at your ability to prepare and cook a simple one-course meal from fresh ingredients. . The assessment should consider whether you can do this: - Safely: Could…

A conditional offer like this can leave parents asking: Who is responsible for arranging the support? What happens if the support is not in place? Could my child be left without a school place? . For children with SEND, 1:1 support can be essential to accessing education safely and meaningfully…

Your child is still autistic. The sensory difficulties are still there. The need for prompting, supervision and additional care hasn't magically disappeared. Yet when a DLA review arrives, you may feel like you're starting from the beginning all over again. . Here's what parents need to…

Your child has meltdowns. But when you're completing the DLA mobility section, simply writing: “He has meltdowns when we go outside.” May not explain the full picture. . Here's what DWP needs to understand. . 1. What happens when your child walks outdoors? Does your child: • Suddenly run towards…

Writing “I have anxiety” tells the DWP about your condition. But it does not explain how your anxiety affects your daily life. . Here's what many claimants miss. . PIP is not awarded simply because you have a diagnosis. The DWP assesses how your condition affects specific daily living and mobility…

Winning your EHCP Tribunal can feel like a huge relief. But parents, your work doesn't necessarily end when the Tribunal makes its decision. You still need to make sure the decision is properly implemented and your child receives the support they are entitled to. . Here's what parents should…

You know your child needs extra care. You help them get dressed. You remind them to eat. You supervise them to keep them safe. You support them through distress and sensory difficulties. But when the DLA form asks about their care needs, you write: “My child needs constant help and supervision.”…

You know the triggers. You know when to hold their hand. You know which environments to avoid. You know how to intervene before they run, panic or become overwhelmed. And because you've learned to prevent incidents, you may forget to explain what happens behind the scenes. . Here's the Blue Badge…

DWP gave you zero points for PIP. You feel dismissed. You feel misunderstood. And you may be wondering if challenging the decision is even worth it. . But don't give up before checking these things. . 1. Read your decision letter carefully. Look at the points awarded for each PIP activity. Did the…

Your child's EHCP says they need support. But the support isn't happening. Perhaps the school says it has no staff. Perhaps the therapy sessions keep getting missed. Perhaps your child is going without the provision written into Section F. And when you complain, the council points the finger at…

Your child's DLA was refused. But the decision-maker didn't see the morning you managed three meltdowns before breakfast. They didn't see: • The constant prompting to get dressed. • The sensory distress that turned breakfast into a battle. • The supervision needed to prevent your child from…

When completing your PIP form, one answer can leave out important details about how your condition affects you. For example, writing: “I can walk short distances.” But what happens when you try? Do you experience pain, become breathless, lose your balance, need to stop frequently or require…

First, don't panic. A local authority can propose changes to an EHCP, but it must follow the proper legal process. Here's what parents should do: 1. Ask exactly what they want to change. Is it Section B, which describes your child's needs? Section F, which specifies special educational provision?…

When completing your child's DLA form, be careful with answers like: "They can do it themselves." "They are fine most of the time." "We manage." These answers may leave out the additional care your child actually needs. For example: Your child may physically get dressed, but do they need repeated…