Claiming ESA and PIP diagnosed with Aspergers

Has anyone diganosed with Autism or Aspergers been sucessful in their claim with ESA or PIP? I claimed PIP but I wasn't sucessful I am going through the appeal process. 

I have since found too, I could quite possibly be entiled to ESA as how much my aspergers impacts my life in so many ways going back as far as pre-school. 

Does anyone have any experiences advice or pointers that they could give me. I have read online there is a certain group you have to go to if you claim ESA can the DWP do that with someone with aspergers Syndrome is claiming? As part of their disablity is socializing, change, things out of the blue and coping with life outside of the house. 

Thank you.

Parents
  • I am a benefits specialist at Citizens Advice and the difficulties faced by those with Aspergers most definitely fit the descriptors for both PIP & ESA in many cases.  The main difficulty in my experience is the assessors failure to understand that Aspergers is not a learning disability nor mental disorder. Often people find their own strategies for coping (often with family support), no medication is prescribed and often counselling/therapy etc is not appropriate or helpful.  This can result in a lack of "supporting evidence" and depends on the individual with Aspergers to accurately and effectively communicate the difficulties they face.  Some people are able to do this -some can't.  I would suggest that individuals get assistance with their claim from Citizens Advice or an autism support agency.  It can be done otherwise but this may involve going to appeal.  I am attending a PIP Tribunal tomorrow with a client. Wish us luck!

Reply
  • I am a benefits specialist at Citizens Advice and the difficulties faced by those with Aspergers most definitely fit the descriptors for both PIP & ESA in many cases.  The main difficulty in my experience is the assessors failure to understand that Aspergers is not a learning disability nor mental disorder. Often people find their own strategies for coping (often with family support), no medication is prescribed and often counselling/therapy etc is not appropriate or helpful.  This can result in a lack of "supporting evidence" and depends on the individual with Aspergers to accurately and effectively communicate the difficulties they face.  Some people are able to do this -some can't.  I would suggest that individuals get assistance with their claim from Citizens Advice or an autism support agency.  It can be done otherwise but this may involve going to appeal.  I am attending a PIP Tribunal tomorrow with a client. Wish us luck!

Children
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