Pip tribunal

Hello, I have been in the process of applying PiP, I have Autism and ADHD, diagnosed a year ago for Autism and a few months ago for ADHD. I have worked for 33 years since I was 15 but struggled greatly, medically retired twice, 3 major breakdowns. I was medicated form depression and anxiety at 19 and have never been off medication since. I was in a poor state when I met my wife 20 years ago. I was unwell, financially ruined, I didn't eat cooked food or wash clothes (threw them away and bought new ones)

Getting my diagnosis explained a lot, I struggle a lot still and my wife supports me daily to function, I have sensory issues and become extremely anxious around people.

I was awarded 6 points for living and 10 for mobility, I recorded my assessment and things I said were not recorded in the notes, other things recorded that I didn't say. I have diagnosis from the NHS that state my issues but the decision maker basically said because I work I can do everything else, cook, read, remember medication and so on. Stayed that I have no cognitive impairment despite my conditions being exactly that.

For my MR I submitted the new diagnosis of ADHD, doctors notes, appointments, they dismissed it all. Stating things like you said you eat every day therefore you can prepare and cook meals, in was asked what I eat at work and said packed lunch made by my wife.

I have had to increase my antidepressants twice now as I am becoming more anxious and upset that my entire life of struggles has been dismissed by someone who very clearly has no understanding of a mental disability.

I have submitted a statement from my wife to the tribunal but I am at a real loss as to what else I can submit. I spent 47 years not knowing what was wrong, I'm and out of jobs, in psychiatric care, breakdowns. In the end I have only ever known life like this and so I struggle to understand or explain why I am different.



It has been 8 months so far and from what I understand it will be a long wait for the tribunal, could anyone offer advise on what else I can submit to help my case? I need to make changes to my life for my family and me, I can't keep avoiding my issues untill I breakdown and start again, too much damage has already been done.

It's a very clearly flawed system that has no inclination to help or support anyone through the process, it is making me very very down and I am desperate for any sign that it may work out ok.

Dear Simon, just backing what BIS says, I have autism and ADHD, only diagnosed in my late 60s, I too struggled to get the assessor to understand, but I have got the award I wanted. There are many of us here who understand and are sending you thoughts for success. I hope that helps.
Denby