Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi All
I have always known there was something different/not normal about me, when I was a child I thought I was just naughty but as I grew older I tried looking for answers. Doctors took me at face value and dismissed my problems.
Finally at 33 I decided to have a private assessment and was diagnosed in April with High Functioning Autism aka Aspergers.
I started the PIP process in Jan this year citing reasons of depression, anxiety and autism, going into detail for each category I experienced issues.
At the atos assessment it appears I came across too "normal" and was scored zero points in all areas and they criticised my lack of diagnosis. This was especially frustrating when I told them at the assessment my diagnosis was scheduled within the week and once I had the diagnosis I called them to wait until I had the report to make their decision. They ignored this request and sent out their decision before I got the report.
I then went through the mandatory reconsideration outlining why I thought they had misunderstood me and the very unsuited physiotherapist (I don't claim to have any physical difficulties) judged me just like a book by the cover. This included my full diagnostic report, notes from my councillor that saw me within 4 days of the atos assessment along with medical records and further explanation from me.
So I was shocked when the reconsideration came back with zero points again saying how the report doesn't matter as it was after my atos assessment and during that time I came across with no issues along with saying I can drive a manual car which means doing multiple things at once and so I should have no issues. This has left me feeling really low and made me question the fairness and honesty of this system and I don't know if I have the energy to take this to tribunal even though I have nothing to lose.
Any help or advice would be very much appreciated.
I've not been through this process myself and have not particular expertise. My inclination would be to say you definitely should go for it. As you say, you have nothing to lose, and it could be a blatantly, or even subtly, wrong decision on the part of ATOS that really should be corrected. You have to apply within a month, although I understand it may take a while for the tribunal to happen. You could feel very differently about it then and I hope you have more energy.
These seem worth reading if you haven't already:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/apply-to-tribunal/
https://benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-appeals
I hope you find someone to support you in doing this. Good luck.