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PIP: worried how I should present myself & talk

SonOfYorick

For those who don’t know , I’ve my tribunal for PIP next month. I’ve ADHD, auditory processing disorder and some undiagnosed learning issues.

so a couple of people I’ve spoken to (granted, intelligent but not disabled or neurodivergent) suggest that I should concern myself with being able to answer th tribunal questions eloquently, succinctly and without breaking the rules of Radio 4s Just A Minute (a joke for those of us old enough to know).

If you ever met me you’d know this is a battle for me. People can tell I’m neurologically awkward the moment I reach a comma,

and they also say I should dress as smart-casual as I can.

Howefer, I keep reading anecdotes suggesting everything counter to these ideas, and that I should just act like my usual self .

What’s everyone’s experience in tribunals here?

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Comments

poppy123456

You should just be yourself. This includes what you wear, which should be how you usually dress. It's not a court and you're not on trial.

They want to see and hear how you usually are and not someone different. Good luck with the hearing!

SaraC_Scope

Definitely be yourself. This is your moment to show who you are and how you manage daily life. Good luck with the hearing.

SonOfYorick

thanks I appreciate that this question can sometimes beg the answer 'oh just be your true self', but what I'm looking for is more specifically

'Should I use my energy on being extra clear and helpful in delivering the information they require, or will that make me look too normative and steady to really need PIP'?

poppy123456

It's better to answer the questions they ask yes. They are not there to try to catch you out. They are completely impartial to DWP and the assessors and will be there to listen.

SonOfYorick

ok a friend with experience of tribunals has given me I think the definitive answer , and I’ll truncate.

“Let them see how you present yourself without using the strategies you've learned. Apologize if you need to, cry if you feel like it, recite pi if it helps. Set aside meds if needed, and don’t hold back any physical tics like rocking or using fidget toys. They should see the real you—someone in an unfamiliar setting, under pressure to perform new, complex tasks.“