Undiagnosed Autism / ADHD with PIP application

connorj

Hi!

Im currently on the waiting list for an autism / ADHD assessment following a recent referral, and I have started a PIP application as I struggle in different areas on a day to day basis. 

Unfortunately I was told the waiting list for a formal assessment was 2 years or more..

My main question is - Since I have no formal diagnosis, should I refrain from mentioning autism/ADHD altogether in the application (if I included references to them I would of course mention that I have had no formal diagnosis) and instead focus on how the condition/s (whatever they might be) affect me on a daily basis?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, the application is causing a lot of stress and I’m hoping to get it completed as soon as possible.

thanks!

poppy123456

PIP isn’t about a diagnosis, it’s how those conditions affect you against the PIP descriptors. 

My daughter claimed PIP successfully before her ASD/learning disability and social anxiety diagnosis and when form was filled out none of those were mentioned, despite me being adamant what that she had ASD.
Yes you should focus on how your conditions affect you. Giving a couple of real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you. Include detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were.
You should aim for at least half an A4 side of paper per descriptor that applies.
You won’t have enough of space to write everything on the form so use extra sheets of paper but make sure you add your name and NI number to everything you send. 

connorj

@poppy123456 I’m not sure how to reply on this forum so I hope you can see this, but thank you that was extremely helpful!

poppy123456

You replied just fine and you're welcome.

Puja

If the form is electronic or even if its not
you can still type it up in word with name snd NU number as header is what i did,

so you can think about it and edit it easily
or get someone to help you to type it if you can
or use speech to text software maybe

and mention this all in the form and you can save it and email to yourself or save externally / a hard copy then print off or copy & paste if online form 
i found the CAB website really good and facebook groups for help as well as scope website for information on it all

also do include any evidence you have like assessment reports, test results, occupational health, mental health team, social care etc or get a supporting statement from people who help or know you well and fill in a pip diary too if that may help them understand what a day in your life entails and how your conditions affect you daily. 

(Sorry for the lengthy response!)

good luck 🙂

Elysium

I have a formal diagnosis and need LOTS of support eg. Social situations like shopping (which I don’t get - there is no support besides forums like this) but been refused PIP twice, they said because I haven’t been suicidal enough and I’m working (their words) what they don’t believe (because I don’t ‘look disabled’ enough to fit their ableist stereotype) is my daily mental struggle to stay alive with zero support and my 2 recovery days after each day I work where I’m unable to move, having meltdowns where I blackout and am bedridden. I genuinely think they won’t help unless I’m hospitalised, but if things get to that point I may not survive at all. The system is utterly corrupt & broken.

poppy123456

Elysium said:

I have a formal diagnosis and need LOTS of support eg. Social situations like shopping (which I don’t get - there is no support besides forums like this) but been refused PIP twice,

PIP isn't about a diagnosis. You said you've been refused twice, have you ever challenged those decisions? To constantly reapply using the same evidence you previously used will likely seen more refusals. Best way is to challenge it by first requesting the Mandatory Reconsideration and the Tribunal if the MR doesn't change the decision.

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @connorj. It is the very least you deserve.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to support you. We are all here for you and listening to you 

Puja

Elysium said:

I have a formal diagnosis and need LOTS of support eg. Social situations like shopping (which I don’t get - there is no support besides forums like this) but been refused PIP twice, they said because I haven’t been suicidal enough and I’m working (their words) what they don’t believe (because I don’t ‘look disabled’ enough to fit their ableist stereotype) is my daily mental struggle to stay alive with zero support and my 2 recovery days after each day I work where I’m unable to move, having meltdowns where I blackout and am bedridden. I genuinely think they won’t help unless I’m hospitalised, but if things get to that point I may not survive at all. The system is utterly corrupt & broken.

It’s really sad the DWP are like this, have you tried to get help from any charities or specialist organisations to help you with it? 

They really should take into account how hard it is for you to work and your physical and mental health and capabilities and conditions etc

Maybe look about PIP/Appeals on the scope website or CAB?
They have useful info on the filling of the forms/appeal process and CAB do have benefits advisors, caseworkers etc too worth looking into maybe? 

Wishing you the best of luck
Puja  

eeem

Hello, I ended up on this thread because I was diagnosed with ADHD last year and I am considering a PIP claim. I waited 3 years for diagnosis so can relate! Once diagnosed I discovered that the service I was with no longer had a doctor who could prescribe medication. My advice isn't so much about PIP, as I haven't claimed myself yet, but about the diagnosis' you're seeking, I hope that is okay. In the end, I had my doctor refer me to Psychiatry UK through the NHS Right To Choose. Instead of waiting years for medication, I was re-assessed by them and had started medication in less than 6 months. The following links are all of the information you may need. 
https://psychiatry-uk.com/right-to-choose-asd/ 
https://psychiatry-uk.com/right-to-choose/

There are other services that do the same thing, so it may be worth doing some research, I only went with Psychiatry UK because they were the only service I was aware of at the time, but I have had a great experience with them. If you search Psychiatry UK or Right to Choose on here or reddit, there are lots of threads about these services, I believe ADHD360 is another one of these. I hope you don't mind that I've strayed a bit off course from your question, I never leave responses on forums like this but I can really relate to the struggle of waiting years for a diagnosis so I really hope you see this and hope it helps in some way! 

Good luck with everything