Aspergers syndrome and pip

TomT35

Is there no possibility of appealing pip, since I have Asperger's syndrome, dyspraxia, and dysphasia?

As I don't think they are covered by the criteria, but if you have any information on that, I'd be very interested. Does anyone here have any information, on that? 

As my problems are very specific, like sensory overload, not always speaking clearly or learning well, from hearing lectures or sermons etc.

Thanks,

Tom T.

P.s. I read your guidelines, and that's why I'm only talking about my disabilities, while trying not to post about anything too personal.

P.p.s. I used to get DLA, but that changed.

poppy123456

PIP is not awarded based on any diagnosis. What they look at is exactly how your conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities. 

When was the decision made on your PIP claim? Have you requested the Mandatory Reconsideration? 

TomT35

I'm sorry poppy but I don't know exactly when that was, but I do know that I didn't meet, enough of the criteria specified.

It was years ago, and my appointee didn't see, any grounds for mandatory reconsideration.

poppy123456

The maximum time you have to challenge any decision is 13 months so if it was years ago you can no longer do anything about that.

You can start another claim but doing so using the same evidence you previously used could see another refusal. Did your appointee at the time fully understand the PIP descriptors? 

anisty

Some people with Aspergers definitely get pip - i know someone who does.


As Poppy says, it isn't about your diagnosis - it's about how you are affected on a daily basis.

If an appointee fills out your form, they need to understand the descriptors and they also need to know you well and have a full understanding of how you manage daily activities of living.


You need to look at each descriptor and think about what happens when you try to attempt each activity. Thinking about whether you can manage independently from start to finish, and if you can - do you? Does it take a long time, do you get distracted and confused, etc etc.


Try to imagine living alone (maybe you already do!) What if there was no one there to help you. Go carefully through each one and think about what happens.

Preparing a meal - are you safe using a conventional oven and pans on a hob? Can you prepare a nutritious meal safely - or are you only safe with a microwave?  This is the sort of thing they need to know.

If you have got the original reports with your diagnosis, that is useful to send but dont enclose pages and pages of info about all the therapy you have ever had.

They really are looking for information to help get a picture of how you function.

I see you are self employed. If you have been employed in the past but couldnt hold jobs, think about why that was - it might be relevant to mention in the extra information bit.

It is definitely possible to qualify for pip though - do get someone to help you fill in the form though.

TomT35

Thank you for this, can you please tell me, which parts of the pip criteria cover 'being easily distracted '?

poppy123456

TomT35 said:

Thank you for this, can you please tell me, which parts of the pip criteria cover 'being easily distracted '?

Preparing a meal. I honestly think you should get some expert advice with this because otherwise you could see another refusal. Start here https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

It does help to have some understanding of the descriptors and what they mean. 

TomT35

I think you are right poppy.

As I'm a machine learning engineer, not a lawyer and I do have language problems. But I thought it means for example, can you cook a roast chicken dinner unaided?

As I have no physical difficulty with that, but it sounds like the criteria isn't interpreted, in quite the same way as I thought.

anisty

Distractability (dont think that's spelt right!) will affect every aspect of your daily life. 

I agree with Poppy that you need to speak to someone that understands the descriptors.


We don't know you so we don't know what you can and can't do.

Some people are distracted to the point that they forget to eat altogether and need prompted to eat at all.

Others might be dangerous around appliances because they forget to turn them off.

Some people can only manage to cook one food item as they are too distractable to have a pan on the hob and something else on the grill at the same time.


These are just made up examples but you can see the sort of thing where there is opportunity to write about what happens when you try to prepare a meal.


Definitely get someone to help so the form is filled in properly and good luck!

TomT35

Yes I will try to do that, because if there is a possibility, of getting pip then I'd be inclined to do it.

Thanks for your help, both of you, and I'd like to offer my best wishes to you both.

Luna51

Hi @TomT35

Have you heard of the Benefits and Work website?
I recommend having a look there too, as they have some useful tips for claiming benefits like PIP

Best of luck 

TomT35

Can I just ask Luna, what is the URL for this website? Can you please post a link to that here? Or is that not allowed?

As I don't think I've heard of that.

poppy123456

https://www.scope.org.uk/

TomT35

Thank you for your help, I think I'm going to read the citizens advice guidance, on pip and then try it if I think I can succeed.

I appreciate all your help so far.

L_Volunteer

Have you managed to read this advice yet @TomT35 and, if so, how has this gone for you? Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything to support you further with this