Hi, my name is GNicolaou! My daughter who is on the autism spectrum and diagnosed with ADHD

GNicolaou

Hi there- I am here on behalf of my daughter who is on the autism spectrum and also diagnosed with ADHD as well as several other physical conditions. We were refused PIP previously however our consultant suggested that we should apply within the autism community to seek advice as my daughter is more than eligible for support now.

Is there anyone who can guide us in this matter?

Many thanks!

Met

anisty

Hiya, my adult son (now 26) has always had successful applications for DLA (which he was on from 3yrs old) to his first pip which we applied for in 2020 and he got it after a paper based decision, meaning he did not need the face to face interview.

I think the key thing when applying to to submit the most robust reports. I know pip say don't submit anything done years ago, but they must have used my son's autism report done in 2013 in their decision-making.

So - an ADOS report is very good evidence, no matter when it was done.

Get to grips with the descriptors. Join benefits and work website and download their guide. For £20 annual fee this is well worth doing.

And make sure the people you list that pip can contact are people that help your daughter - support workers are better than GPs, i found..

Pip did phone my son's gp and also his support worker. When i got the report to see where points had been awarded, they had quoted the support worker's account a few times.

Any autism service your daughter attends will have a member of staff that can provide good evidence.

My son does not have adhd - but same advice applies. You need to think about how that impacts each descriptor.

What i did for a couple of tasks was to set my son up with them - eg cook a meal. Then watch and see what happens. Note down exactly what stops ability to do each task.

Hope that helps a bit!

Annie_Scope

Hello @GNicolaou

Welcome to the community.

This must be very frustrating for you when you are trying to get help and support for your daughter. We have a good section on our SCOPE website about PIP, including support on filling in the claim form, and evidence you need. The information states, you will need evidence that shows how your daughters condition affects her day to day, focusing on experiences rather than a medical diagnosis.

https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/personal-independence-payment-pip

@anisty has given some good advise around providing health letters and reports. Keeping a diary would also be good evidence, there is a template you can download on the Citizens Advice website - Getting evidence to support your PIP claim - Citizens Advice

Hope you find this information helpful and good luck with re-applying. Please reach out to the community if you need further support, that's what we are here for ☺️