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Is HRM DLA possible for 7 year old ASD child in mainstream?

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8 months 1 week ago #287053 by Moom
Hi! I'm new here, I did look for an answer but couldn't see for looking. I also have ADHD so please forgive me if it is glaringly obvious.

A bit of background...

My son (now 7) was awarded MRC & LRM 2 years ago. Since then he has been diagnosed ASD, ADHD, DCD and hypermobility. I recieved the renewal documents back in October and his award was increased to HRC with LRM for 4 years, backdated to October. Obviously I am happy as I understand how difficult it is to get HRC! The reasons for decision were:

Xxx may have some co-ordination difficulties or may refuse to walk, at times,
but it is considered that he is not unable or virtually unable to walk for most of
the time. L/Mob maintained. Increase of Care component awarded and
accepted from date of application, 07/10/23. Needs have been present for a
prolonged as indicated by supporting evidence. Length of award adjusted
accordingly with guidance. Award is limited, needs may change.


However, I have been looking at the SMI chart for HRM but I am struggling to find a definitive answer as to whether he is entitled to HRM and don't want to rock the boat and lose HRC. I am getting conflicting information regarding "severe impairment of intelligence". I was of the understanding that ASD and having no awareness of danger counted but I've been told that, as he is in mainstream school and can read then it wouldn't.

He is in a mainstream school and is currently awaiting an EHCP, we're in Kent, it's diabolical. Even without the EHCP he gets 1:1 and his SENco has written a letter to confirm his needs which I will pop below (I have removed his name and the name of the school for obvious reasons):

To whom it may concern re xxx
xxx started at xxx school 1 September 2020. He has a diagnosis of ASD,DCD and ADHD. He is currently being assessed for an EHCP by Kent Local Authority:

Within school, xxx is supported by a member of staff to access the curriculum, move safely around the site and ensure that he has the resources needed to be fully included. The school has had to provide support support on on a a 1:1 basis as xxx would not be able to access the mainstream curriculum and school site without this. xxx is unable to attend school trips offsite without a 1:1 or his mother supporting him.

He has a scribe for class tests and is supported within class to write. His reading fluency is good however, his comprehension requires specialist support and intervention. xxx is currently working at the following levels:

Maths- Below ARE
English Writing-Below ARE
Reading-Expected

xxx has difficulty socially and requires support with his relationships with peers and adults. If this support was not available, xxx would find navigating relationships very difficult and would be highly anxious. Behaviours such as screaming, shouting, flapping his arms, sudden outbursts of tears laying on the floor, writing and ripping books, licking the window are observed when xxx has a high level of anxiety and when normal routines are interrupted. When engaged in play, xxx will rapidly become dysregulated if he loses or thinks that it isn't going his way. For example, during a recent maths game with a friend, xxx lost and it then took over an hour to calm him down. He will lash out, kick and punch others in frustration

Xxx is highly dependent on clear structures to the school day and repetition of predictable events (such as attendance at Forest school). If these are changed/altered in any way,
becomes very anxious and his 1:1 will need to intervene. The school has used various strategies to support xxx when this occurs, such as frequent removal to the sensory room and positive handling. Xxx needs to be distracted with sensory activities when he is dysregulated. Without this support, xxx would not be able to access the setting.

Xxx has difficulty maintaining eye contact and needs consistent support with self-care (such as dressing, putting on his shoes, monitoring toilet use). If told specifically not to do something as it is unsafe, will continue to do it. He therefore needs constant supervision to ensure he is safe within school.


Any advice would be really appreciated, thank you!

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8 months 6 days ago #287069 by Gary
Hi Moom

Welcome to the forum.

You might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum.

Thank you for your question, unfortunately we cannot give specific advice on cases, we can only point you in a direction for specific advice from your local Welfare Rights Organisation; advicelocal.uk . You may find the National Autistic Society useful; www.autism.org.uk.

In answer to your question, we cannot give an answer to your specific question as we do not have all the relevant information.

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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