• Replies 9 replies
  • Subscribers 81 subscribers
  • Views 199 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Newly diagnosed ASD – Should I report change for Daily Living? PIP England

Hapless

Hi, I’m looking for advice on whether to report a change of circumstances for PIP.

Current award:
Standard Mobility
0 points Daily Living
Award runs July 2024 – October 2027

Background: I originally scored 4 points for engaging socially (needs support), but was refused Daily Living overall. I took it to tribunal. A few days before the hearing DWP offered standard Mobility if I dropped the appeal, which I accepted.

I have now received a formal Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis (DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Condition – Level 1) through NHS Right to Choose. The assessment included ADOS-2, questionnaires and collateral information from my mother.

Key findings:
AQ10: 9/10
HADS Anxiety: 14 (abnormal range)
CAT-Q: 154 (high camouflaging)
Emotional Quotient low across domains
Lifelong social communication difficulties
Significant anxiety and shutdown after social interaction. 

My functional reality:
I avoid all social contact unless essential (doctor/Jobcentre).
I cannot attend appointments alone.
My mother accompanies me and sometimes speaks on my behalf.

If she cannot attend, I cancel.
After appointments I am extremely drained and sleep for hours.
Without her support I would stop attending entirely.

I can cook and take medication independently, but my mother collects prescriptions and helps monitor side effects.
My situation hasn’t worsened I just now have formal diagnostic evidence that clarifies the severity of my social impairment. I also feel I can explain my difficulties more clearly now.

My question:

Is this sufficient grounds to report a change of circumstances for Daily Living (Activity 9), or would DWP likely argue “no change”.

Thank you.

Parents

  • Thanks for the responses.

    Just to clarify, I scored 4 points for engaging previously, but I cannot attend appointments alone, cancel if my mother cannot attend, and would stop attending entirely without her. After appointments I shut down and sleep for hours.

    Would this meet 9d (overwhelming psychological distress), or do tribunals usually expect panic attacks or visible meltdowns? I attempted a training course recently but suffered a panic attack and burn out. My report mentions this and high camouflaging and the effects.

    Also is my assessment report good evidence? 

  • in reply to Hapless

    Needs Social Support

    4

    You need help from someone trained or experienced (like a support worker or a family member who has "learned" how to assist you) to manage the interaction.

    Overwhelming Psychological Distress

    8

    The distress is so severe that you cannot engage at all. This often includes symptoms like panic attacks, meltdowns, breakdowns, or "shutting down" to the point of being unable to function.
  • in reply to Bluelyn

    You have described being able to engage with support, not that you don't engage at all, not going without your mum is saying you do go with her support, I think for the next up they would be looking for evidence you don't engage around other people regardless of support being there

Reply
  • in reply to Bluelyn

    You have described being able to engage with support, not that you don't engage at all, not going without your mum is saying you do go with her support, I think for the next up they would be looking for evidence you don't engage around other people regardless of support being there

Children