PIP2 Additional Information?

Hello,

I just wondered if anyone could advise on this? Am filling in PIP2 for my son and working very hard to keep all info totally relevant to the descriptors and to be very very honest and objective.

As My son is rarely unsupported, it is very difficult to give a perspective on how he would cope in certain situations if he were to be alone and I can only base the answers on my own observations and those of professionals who have been involved with him. Bearing in mind that we are all people who actually have knowledge and insight into his difficulties so adjust our interactions with him accordingly. I have witnessed him trying to engage with strangers, for example in the bank and in shops and on public transport etc.

would this maybe be an appropriate piece of 'additional information' to tag on somewhere or does it sound too assumptive?

"Much of the evidence available shows M's achievements relating to the descriptors in situations where he is heavily supported and/or feels ‘safe’ with people who understand autism, communication and sensory difficulties and as such give a valuable ‘best case’ scenario and picture of his abilities. I would ask that consideration be given to the probability that the general public and the world at large possess only a limited or stereotypical knowledge of his difficulties and that it is reasonable therefore to think that his difficulties may in fact affect him more in unsupported environments."

Would welcome any opinions on this, thankyou

Stressed out Mum wrote: Hello,

I just wondered if anyone could advise on this? Am filling in PIP2 for my son and working very hard to keep all info totally relevant to the descriptors and to be very very honest and objective.

As My son is rarely unsupported, it is very difficult to give a perspective on how he would cope in certain situations if he were to be alone and I can only base the answers on my own observations and those of professionals who have been involved with him. Bearing in mind that we are all people who actually have knowledge and insight into his difficulties so adjust our interactions with him accordingly. I have witnessed him trying to engage with strangers, for example in the bank and in shops and on public transport etc.

would this maybe be an appropriate piece of 'additional information' to tag on somewhere or does it sound too assumptive?

"Much of the evidence available shows M's achievements relating to the descriptors in situations where he is heavily supported and/or feels ‘safe’ with people who understand autism, communication and sensory difficulties and as such give a valuable ‘best case’ scenario and picture of his abilities. I would ask that consideration be given to the probability that the general public and the world at large possess only a limited or stereotypical knowledge of his difficulties and that it is reasonable therefore to think that his difficulties may in fact affect him more in unsupported environments."

Would welcome any opinions on this, thankyou

Hi S out M,

There is nothing wrong at all with what you suggest.

After all, it is quite feasible that your son may not be aware of how his limitations affect him with respect to Daily Living/Mobility.

Concentrate on explaining what he can't do with respect to the relevant descriptors, and explaining why he can't do them.

You should make it clear regarding situations where he can carry out activities, but only do so with a high level of support, and where applicable that he would not be able to carry out such activities at all, or for the majority of the time, without said support.

The clearer that you make the information regarding the limitations suffered by your son to understand, the more chance that you have of a successful outcome.

Hopefully the PIP Assessor and Decision Maker will understand the predicament, in that your son has more or less constant support and award appropriately.

Please do keep us updated.

bro58

Thankyou bro 58, yes, I am explaining what he can't do and why, relating back to specific paragraphs in appendixed evidence from professionals reports, I guess I'm just assuming that we may get a nasty HP who asks why I think he couldn't do them unsupported! especially because he is only 16, and could be reasonably expected to not have needed to do some things unsupported yet......I am able to give a few examples where we have 'tested' him ie tried to make him go for a haircut alone and explain independently what he wanted,( he couldn't) put him on a bus whilst following behind in the car (he didn't ring bell or stand up to get off because he couldn't bear the possibility of either having to interact or being 'watched' and I had to flag the bus down by pulling up in front of it :/)- I have left him to get washed only to find him lying on the bathroom floor with a towel over his head 10 mins later because he couldn't think what to do, there are a few others! But not many as obviously we don't want to actually force him into what could be dangerous situations!! It's a tricky one!

Stressed out Mum wrote: Thankyou bro 58, yes, I am explaining what he can't do and why, relating back to specific paragraphs in appendixed evidence from professionals reports, I guess I'm just assuming that we may get a nasty HP who asks why I think he couldn't do them unsupported! especially because he is only 16, and could be reasonably expected to not have needed to do some things unsupported yet......I am able to give a few examples where we have 'tested' him ie tried to make him go for a haircut alone and explain independently what he wanted,( he couldn't) put him on a bus whilst following behind in the car (he didn't ring bell or stand up to get off because he couldn't bear the possibility of either having to interact or being 'watched' and I had to flag the bus down by pulling up in front of it :/)- I have left him to get washed only to find him lying on the bathroom floor with a towel over his head 10 mins later because he couldn't think what to do, there are a few others! But not many as obviously we don't want to actually force him into what could be dangerous situations!! It's a tricky one!

Hi S out M,

The examples that you give seem very good, and I do not think that many other parents in a similar situation would have the foresight to carry out such "tests".

You seem most articulate, and I am sure that you will put the best case possible forward for your son's PIP Claim.

Remember, you and/or any support workers can attend a PIP F2F assessment with your son if one is deemed necessary.

Good Luck !!

bro58

I am his DWP appointee so I will be there!! He is unlikely to engage as selectively mute in social situations but might tell his own story that way. Thankyou for your support and good luck wishes!