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Hi, Im Jack, ask me questions about Autism and Aspergers today

Jack_W

Hi I am Jack and I am an autistic campaigner and advisor across numerous fields, including healthcare, participation and research. I received my diagnosis in childhood for Asperger's Syndrome when I was 8-years old from my local hospital at the time.

I have worked with organisations that specialise in autism advocacy and services, which comprise of Ambitious about Autism, Autistica and the National Autistic Society. My interests in this area in particular are mental health and inclusion in the local community.

Ask me questions about Autism and Aspergers today.

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Comments

Chloe_Alumni

Welcome to the community @Jack_W, it is great to have you as an advisor! I look forward to hearing the advice you have for the community

Sam_Alumni

Welcome to the community @Jack_W - looking forward to working with you!

Lornal

Hiya Jack,
My 16 yr old son has autism & a condition called Klinfelters Syndrome (a genetic disorder), he has a statement of SEN & attends a SEN high school. We have claimed DLA for him for more than 5 years. The dwp sent notice that he should change his claim to POP. We went through that process only to be told he isn’t entitled to a y at all & that he scored 0 MARKS on his claim. We were shocked & disgusted. Do you know if there any legal support we can get for him? He is in sixth form education, we were wondering if he maybe entitled to legal aid or something we can use to fight the decision? Any advice would be very welcome. Thanks so much for helping other people with your condition.

Jack_W

Hi @Lornal,

Switching over to PIP can often be very trying and in some cases come back denied to those who have claimed DLA or even being reassessed for PIP again! You're very much not alone in this situation

I would strongly advise you to pursue a mandatory reconsideration from the DWP, which is often time sensitive, so would do this quickly as possible. If that is refused, you would then have to go before a tribunal to try and overturn the decision. You may want to speak to the Scope helpline in finding legal representation, but it's also a case of having as much evidence ready in that eventuality.

More information from the GOV UK website here https://www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision.

All the best,
Jack

Lornal

Hiya Jack,
Thank you so much for your advice for my son’s PIP claim. I will take your advice & ask for a review tomorrow.
Many thanks,
lornal

debbiedo49

Welcome Jack

Firefly123

Hi Jack I have a 16 year old 20 year old diagnosed with autism Asd also have a 23 year old who I'm more than certain also has autism but when he was at school I was told because he was well above his class academicly that a diagnosis would not help him anyway he managed until his collage course ended then it all went down hill from there after a medical assessment which I had to do privately he was diagnosed with server social phobia server anxiety OCD and agrophobia and now depprsive disorder him and his brother have all the same problems but his brothers are all put down to his autism their sister my 16 year old took over 5 years to go through the process so I know a lot about it but it seems so much harder to get any help advice I asked my doctor about getting him tested for autism but he said he has his diagnosis now so no need for further tests but he still hasn't got much more help at all would it be possible for me to have him tested and how would I go about it?
And is it also right that my 20 year old is not entitled to any benefits apart from PiP as I'm keeping him at college for as long as his statement of special needs will allow
Will stop now could ask so much more
Any advice is appreciated

Jack_W

Hi @Firefly123,

Struggling to acquire a diagnosis for an adult is often far greater than children who would undergo a similar assessment. Are you in an area which perhaps has a local/regional autism charity (in my case, Autism Wessex cover my patch)? They might be able to provide independent and localised advice about services you should seek and certainly getting a second opinion from another GP. You might want to request an appointment with a GP who is not familiar with your son's case and explain why you want a referral to have a formal autism assessment, as they can look without any bias to the other diagnoses given.

Regarding benefits, there may be a tier of ESA which your 20-year old might be permitted. Depending on your circumstances, you could look into Carer's Allowance as an option

Take care,
Jack

jenny1974

Hello jack my 23 year old son has Autism, ADHA and ODD he was first diagnosed when he was 7. If you want you can look at my thread to get a clearer picture of his difficulties, my question is he has been on DLA then had a interview 2 months ago and we have been told as he has scored 0 points he will get no help, these questions were not persific for some one like my son do not know where to go now thank you.

Prettyseasider

Hi hi I did a test out online said I had Asperger s with it being online test wasn’t sure my daughter has it and she did the question just so to put my right said she had it and her doctors and special instead right but my score was 35 I too had problems used to day dream all but when reading the I’d lose where I was and get worked up my axieity is bad in stiuations like family get togethers and heights and used get dajaview a lot and got into fit but as I can tell how people are with me it’s like I send bad vibes out and has been like this my whole life that’s why I took the test I score 35 and it said I’m autistic should I mention to doc and take their test

Eilidh76

Hi I'm a single mum of teenagers 15 & 13 yrs. My eldest has been diagnosed with dyscalculia and I'm trying to get a diagnosal of aspbergers/autism she has behavioural problems also so life isn't easy. I need support for us so any help you can suggest??

Jack_W

Hi @Eilidh76,

You've certainly come to the right place with our community here! If you are England based, you might want to approach one of the local Information, Advice and Support (IAS) providers - England only - in your area who are able to point you in the right direction for support you might be entitled to with your children.

Hope this may be of some help to you.

Jack

Sam_Alumni

Many Thanks to Jack for his support over the past few months.