Hello, I've decided to write to PIP about my current ASD diagnosis. Can anyone tell me if this draft is ok. Thank you.
Date: [Insert date]
Personal Independence Payment 1
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1AA
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to formally report a change in circumstances and request that my Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award be reconsidered in relation to the Daily Living component.
I believe my current award of Standard Mobility and 0 points for Daily Living does not accurately reflect the level of support I require.
Diagnosis and Evidence:
Since my last decision, I have received a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Condition – Level 1 requiring support) following a full assessment including ADOS-2, questionnaires, developmental history and collateral information. The report confirms lifelong social communication difficulties, significant anxiety, sensory sensitivities, rigid routines and shutdown following social interaction.
While my underlying difficulties have not newly developed, I now have formal medical evidence clarifying the severity and functional impact of my condition.
Engaging with Other People (Activity 9):
I am unable to attend appointments independently. My mother must accompany me and sometimes speaks on my behalf. If she cannot attend, I cancel the appointment. Without her support I would stop attending altogether.
After appointments I experience extreme exhaustion and shutdown. I usually sleep for several hours and can remain drained for days.
I recently attempted to attend a college course but experienced a panic attack and was unable to continue, my tutor had to take me to the student welfare officer who called my parents to come and pick me up. It took nearly a week to recover. My assessment report refers to significant anxiety, camouflaging and shutdown.
My engagement with others causes overwhelming psychological distress and I require social support to attend essential appointments safely and repeatedly.
Managing Therapy and Medication (Activity 3):
I take Sertraline 100mg. Although I can physically take the tablet, I require prompting and supervision in practice. After attending appointments or leaving the house, I become exhausted and remain in bed. During these shutdown periods I miss multiple days of medication unless reminded.
My mother collects my prescriptions and helps monitor side effects. Without her support, I would struggle to manage medication consistently and safely.
Budgeting Decisions (Activity 10):
I struggle with budgeting and planning finances due to executive dysfunction and anxiety. I have previously run out of money before the end of the month and have required support from family members to manage bills. I find bills overwhelming and struggle to prioritise and organise payments independently.
Functional Impact:
If I did not have family support, I would:
Miss medical appointments
Stop collecting prescriptions
Stop leaving the house
Experience significant mental health deterioration
Although I can sometimes force myself to attend appointments, this results in prolonged shutdown and exhaustion afterwards.
I cannot do this reliably or repeatedly without support.
Given the above, I believe I meet the criteria for Daily Living, particularly in relation to engaging with others, managing therapy and budgeting decisions. I would be grateful if you could review my award in light of my diagnosis and the evidence provided.
Please let me know if any further information is required.
Yours faithfully,
