Disabled Bus Pass

Androgen

Has anyone ever successfully managed to get a disabled bus pass for an adult with autism?

The criteria seem to be incredibly strict/specific, and I don't know if you can get around it at all

Trying to claim for a 19 year old with limited speech, hearing problems (but not in the deaf category), as well as autism, they don't go out alone at all (anywhere) and get Enhanced care and mobility from PIP, but I don't know if that would help at all?

Matilda

If he has at least 8 PIP points in the getting around category then he is automatically entitled to a Blue Badge.  Otherwise, he will have to be assessed by his local authority.

Androgen

Unfortunately no, she gets 12 points in the journey planning category which gives the enhanced rate, but 0 in the getting around one, so we can't claim on that (although apparently we could in Scotland and Wales, just not in England)

Nuclear72

Try claiming on the grounds he would be refused a driving licence should he apply. In my experience in Stockton people can go via this route. 

Matilda

@Androgen

There is a thread on the forum called 'Disability parking permits for hidden disabilities' that will interest you.

Androgen

She doesn't actually drive, but does have a provisional driving licence as ID, so will she lose that if we try saying she wouldn't be able to drive?

Matilda

Try to get some f2f advice from CAB or similar.

psych101

Hi Androgen, i'm an autistic adult myself and i applied at my local council for my free disabled bus pass, all they required was proof of my disability so i went to my local GP and got a copy of my medical record ( we're entitled to full access to our medical records for free) and they took a photo and 2 weeks later i recieved my bus pass. If you are experiencing problems with getting a bus pass i can gladly give you all the advice you need, best wishes, Paul.

psych101

Also... the law is changing regarding Blue Badges, i have always had one due to my ADHD, Aspergers, and Bi-Polar, but councils are now accepting applications for adults on the Autism spectrum too, not just those with physical disabilties. I sent a photo of my medical records and diagnosis to my local council, paid the 10 pound fee and got my blue badge 3 weeks later.

Androgen

Do you apply on the grounds of a learning disability for that?
I've seen that some councils won't allow autistic people to have bus passes unless they also have an intellectual disability as well?

feir

Dunno if mentioning that they can't handle money would help you get one?
Although i think there are prepaid cards to get round that issue so it might not help.

Jezzajovi

Hi my misses has one. She can't drive she a had a letter from DVLA that helped to get it. Sent we also sent with the form doctor's note explaining why e.g failed visual eyefeild test. Has any ticks can not reconise signs. read other people's faces ect also other medical problems. Send a prescription with medicine that related to condition. Try and see what DVLA say. Had bus pass for 2 different counties

Androgen

We can't really claim on not being issued a driving licence because she can drive safely (just hasn't taken the test yet), so she wouldn't be denied a licence

Androgen

We tried to apply on the grounds of a learning disability, but were rejected, as our council says they don't consider autism to be a learning disability, even though she meets all their criteria of being in contact with specialist services, having a special needs care plan at school, and the fact that autism does impact her ability to learn since she doesn't understand language properly (and we provided evidence of that)
So I assume it depends on the council, as we know some people have been successful in getting one for Asperger's before?

feir

Androgen said:

We tried to apply on the grounds of a learning disability, but were rejected, as our council says they don't consider autism to be a learning disability, even though she meets all their criteria of being in contact with specialist services, having a special needs care plan at school, and the fact that autism does impact her ability to learn since she doesn't understand language properly (and we provided evidence of that)
So I assume it depends on the council, as we know some people have been successful in getting one for Asperger's before?

Probably.

It was my sons school who originally helped the pupils in my area to get a pass, now they charge £10 for them too when they used to be free but at least we can still afford one. Fingers crossed there will be no more government cuts.