Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello
This is my first post here, and I’m pretty anxious about posting to be quite honest.
My name is Scott, I’m about to become 24yo, I live in the Wolverhampton area, and I’m on the Autistic Spectrum. I’m not entirely sure of my exact diagnosis - definitely not Aspergers, but I’m not 100% sure I come under HFA. In the past my Mom referred to my diagnosis as either: just “Autism” or “He’s socially and emotionally disabled”. I’d be interested in getting a copy of my official diagnosis sometime in the future, just for personal clarification. I should add that I was diagnosed around 7-8yo.
Anyway, I’m looking for some advice and information in regards to my future and what is available. I still live at home with my Mom and two siblings. My Mom is currently my advocate/power of attorney. We’re about to start the transition from a lifetime award of mid-rate DLA to PIP - in fact, we’ll be filling in the forms tomorrow! In the last few months I’ve been starting to think about my future, especially in regards to living arrangements and what is available for a person like me. In short I would like to move out in the near future.
I have heard about Independent Living or Supported Living services previously, but I'm not entirely sure I would qualify.
So my question are:
I should add that I've probably forgot to include some necessary information, so feel free to ask me anything.
-Scott
Scott, your current GP will hold all your medical records. Some of them may well be paper (called Lloyd George notes) based but they will include letters from the specialist who diagnosed you. From that you will know the hospital and if any more information is needed you could request your hospital file.
Ask your GP about accessing the records so you can put details into the PIP application
Hi SCT454,
Welcome to the Community. I've included some links below which you may find helpful.
The following link provides information on getting help from social services: http://www.autism.org.uk/17377
You may also want to look at other the services provided by The National Autistic Society which may be of help: http://www.autism.org.uk/our-services.aspx.
This link will take you to a page on the NAS website which will provide you with some more information about benefits http://www.autism.org.uk/about/benefits-care/benefits.aspx.
The next link takes you to a page all about adult life when you're autistic http://www.autism.org.uk/about/adult-life.aspx.
Finally, this link is for a page all about support in the home http://www.autism.org.uk/services/home/home-support.aspx.
I hope the above is useful. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
Best wishes,
Nellie-Mod
I replied earlier but seems to have got lost. Do you have a Social Worker? If so they would help you with this. If not contact Social Services and they will arrange to talk to you about what options are available to help towards your independence.
Look for information online about how to fill in your forms to make sure you don't miss anything out. Benefits and Work is good for this but there may be others too.