DLA

[RudolphLovesoftplay]

So I filled in the DLA form for my DS today. Feel a bit sad as it kinda confirms that he has a disability. I know that sounds ridiculous

He has loads of help at school now though, he needs it to be fair. Poor little man struggles through each day, yet still has smiles and showers me with kisses and cuddles. He is so brave, it's heartbreaking.

Anyone else been where I am?

[Perspective21]

Yes, me certainly and lots of others over on the SN boards. Pop over and have a look.
It is a depressing experience because you have to think very negatively to secure the support which your child needs but it is the opposite of how w usually treat our children. We usually celebrate the positives don't we? For me it also meant access to a blue badge which has been incredibly useful but it was a real jolt to the senses using it for the first time. Think of these things as tools that will help you and then enjoy your son xx

I am still surprised to hear people use the term disabled about my son, that's not how I think of him. I wept buckets posting off the form and wept again when I heard we'd been awarded...it's a very stressful experience. You have done the right thing for your son, that's great parenting

[KristinaM]

OP, if you ask mumsnet they will move your thread over to the SN boards where you will get lots of support from the lovely posters there. They are much more knowledgable about DLA than the regulars on the adoption threads .

Just report your thread using the button on the top right .

[Lilka]

Yes I've been here, and it's difficult. The form does make you feel sad, it's all about all your childs difficulties, and it's very stark :(

SN boards can also give you a lot of support with DLA, load of experience there

However DLA has been very helpful for us

[fasparent]

Agree with all, If your child is Adopted or Subjected too SGO don't forget you may be entitled too Pupil Premium from next April too help with additional educational support £1900 per year.

[RudolphLovesoftplay]

I posted here cos I know this board, and the regulars on it. Both my DS's are adopted, only my oldest has "issues" though. The docs still don't know whether it's ADHD or attachment disorder or both, but to be honest I don't particularly care what he has as long as he gets the help he needs.

Anyway, on a much more positive note, he has turned a corner with his reading and can now "blend" 3 letter words, hooray!!!

[roadwalker]

I find any diagnosis or behavioural issue much harder to cope with when I see it written down
It makes it more real somehow
it was a big hurdle for me applying for DLA, I put it off for years
I try to save it, I am trying to accumulate a pot to fund future therapy

[Moomoomie]

Rudolph... I know exactly how you feel, being so negative about your own child certainly goes against the grain.
We were awarded it for dd3 and yes the money is a real help, but not only that, it is good to know that people understand the extra work a child with SN needs.
For me especially, I can throw away soiled pants and just go out and buy new ones!
As fasparent says the new pupil premium will be on offer to your child's school, so make sure they know to apply for it.

[KristinaM]

Sorry op, I didn't mean to imply AT ALL that you weren't welcome here. I just thought that you might get more replies on the SN boards, traffic is much slower here .

Aso because we are the first topic in " topics" , we sometimes get stray posts that people meant to post elsewhere , then they get upset because they get no or few replies

[PheasantPlucker]

Hi RudolphLovesSoftPlay, yes, I do understand.

But don't forget those forms always 'force' us to paint the bleakest picture, which in itself is enough to make anyone unhappy.

We find the DLA money very helpful (we get highest rate care and mobility for dd1) and I am glad we made the initial application x