That's a bummer - PIP is all about points make prizes - you need to tick their boxes to score points - were you sure you had met the criteria? It's all about not being able to look after yourself - washing, eating, communicating, getting about etc. How does it affect you?
I'm high functioning, work as a teacher, am highly academic (my last app had a lot of evidence of the support I have for my PHD) etc and I receive PIP. As such, I don't believe being seen as 'normal' is an issue. I hope your appeal has gone better than you think but if it hasn't it might help to receive some 3rd party advice, such as speaking to CAB, to get an independent perspective on what's went wrong e.g did you not submit enough evidence, are you unable to clearly articulate your points as to why you meet the criteria etc
Did they turn you down? Could you tell us what happened and what they ask you? I'm HF too and know this is a problem where most people assume because we seem "able" we are competent, when in reality everyday is a struggle to do basic things.
